SHAH ALAM, Aug 20 - Hosts Selangor successfully defended their SUKMA women’s team badminton gold medal after outclassing Penang 3-0 at the Setia City Convention Centre in Setia Alam here today.
First singles player Eng Ler Qi got the ball rolling for Selangor by taking 33 minutes to dispose of Penang’s Oo Shan Zi 21-14, 21-10, before doubles pair Clarissa San-Wong Zi Yi then put Selangor in the driver’s seat despite taking 70 minutes to down Joinne Lee-Nicole Tan Pei En 27-25, 14-21, 21-16.
Second singles player and debutante Carine Tee Xin Qi wrapped up the tie with a commanding performance to trounce Chong Shi Ming 21-14, 21-16.
Speaking after the match, 18-year-old Carine said although she was nervous about carrying the momentum, she managed to control her emotions to close out the match and help Selangor defend the gold.
“I am excited to have won gold for Selangor. My teammates all played really well (so) congratulations to them, too,” she told reporters.
The Klang-born national junior shuttler also hoped today’s victory would take her to a podium finish in the individual event, which starts tomorrow.
Selangor won the women’s team gold medal at SUKMA Perak 2018 after beating the hosts 3-1 in the final.
The women’s team event has not been contested since then and only made its return at this year’s edition. Perak secured the bronze medal after defeating Sabah 3-1.
