Amanda Yap felt the pain of rejection after she was deemed insufficient for the national team seven months ago.
On Sep 21, the 18-year-old from the Federal Territories sent a strong message to the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) by knocking top seed Eoon Qi Xuan from Perak out of the Malaysian Games (Sukma).
Amanda Yap Knock Out Top Seed With 18-21, 21-17, 27-25 in 54 Minutes
Amanda came from behind to win the second round with result 18-21, 21-17, 27-25 in 54 minutes at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.
Sukma’s newcomer is delighted with the biggest scalp of her career to date.
Amanda expressed her happiness that this is her breakthrough win as she has never been to the quarter-finals of a tournament before.
Amanda said in the Under-18 and Under-21 national championships previously, she was also pitted against the top seeds in the early rounds and lost both times. “So, it feels great to finally win this time.”
The youngster, who is currently training full-time at the Kuala Lumpur Badminton Association, also believes she was right in her decision not to give up the sport after being rejected by BAM.
The 1st seeded women's singles, Eoon Qi Xuan is out from the match. She lost to Amanda Yap Hwa Leng 🫣
— Z 💎🇲🇾 (@theone_xyz) September 21, 2022
Tbh, I don't know who Amanda Yap is but she just beat the 1st seeded player & this is just ... hmmm#SUKMA2022 pic.twitter.com/329FK4rOA3
“My family and friends told me to quit and continue my studies. But I felt that I can study at any age. I love the sport a lot and didn’t want to give up even though I was rejected. I feel like my decision is starting to pay off,” explained Amanda.
Next, she will play Casey Rynn of Sabah in the quarterfinals as she eyes a medal.
“I really want a medal in this Games. Hopefully, BAM will consider selecting me if I do,” said Amanda.
Meanwhile, in the other quarter-final matches, second seed Myisha Khairul of Johor will take on Selangor’s K. Letshanaa and third seed Siti Nurshuhaini Azman of Selangor will take on Melaka’s Siti Zulaikha Azmi, Federal Territories’ Ong Xin Yee will take on Johor’s Tan Zhing Yi.
