Early exit for Fazriq, happy return for Letshanaa

When Fazriq and Cheah Wei Jie were eliminated in the first round of the men’s doubles competition yesterday at the Malaysia Games (Sukma), FAZRIQ Razif experienced his baptism of fire.

At the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil, Federal Territories’ Fazriq and Wei Jie were hoping to win a medal but succumbed to fellow countrymen Yap Roy King and Lwi Sheng Hao of Johor 21-17, 27-25.

The World Junior Championships will be held in Santender, Spain from October 17–30. Fazriq, 18, claimed the loss will make him stronger. He does not want to linger on the setback. Instead, he wants to concentrate on competing well.

At the global meet, Fazriq will compete alongside Wong Vin Sean.

The draw was challenging since we had to play a national pair, but it was a valuable lesson for me. No regrets since I’ll be competing in another Sukma in 2024,” stated Fazriq. “I have to pull myself up and aim on achieving better in the world junior with Vin Sean,” he said, “since Roy King-Sheng Hao managed to control the drought at the stadium while we battled.

Letshanaa of Selangor, who withdrew from the national squad in February owing to a back injury, returned to the women’s singles competition after defeating Kelantan’s Yap Phoi Lin 21-2, 21-13 to advance to a match against Perlis’ Dyvylyn Saha.

Letshanaa gained notoriety in 2019 when, at the age of 14, she won the national Under-18 championship. In 2020, she joined the national back-up team.

However, a back injury ended her time with the national team, and Letshanaa is eager to succeed as a stand-alone player after spending the previous seven months receiving therapy and rehabilitation.

“It feels fantastic to be back on the court and to relive the atmosphere of a tournament. The confidence has returned,” the 19-year-old stated.