Schoolboy shuttler Shahadzryl bags two titles at Lee Chong Wei Cup

Shahadzryl Suhaime, a 13-year-old schoolboy shuttler from Bukit Jalil Sports School, emerged as the star performer at the inaugural Lee Chong Wei Cup tournament. He achieved a remarkable feat by clinching two titles at the event, marking him as the only player to win both the boys under-13 singles and doubles championships.

KUALA LUMPUR—The young athlete demonstrated exceptional physical endurance, having advanced from the qualifying rounds that commenced on August 29. On the final day, Shahadzryl bounced back from a game deficit and defeated Jorus Lee Yi H’ng of Penang 12-15, 15-12, 15-12, in the under-13 boys singles final. Displaying unwavering determination, he carried his momentum into the U13 boys doubles, partnering with fellow schoolmate Gan Giap Han to defeat Sarawak's Ahmad Aniq Rafiq Mohd Zariffi-Lucas Ho Ming Joon 15-12, 15-12.

Despite facing an intense match schedule and starting from the qualifiers, Shahadzryl emphasized that his primary goal from the tournament's onset had been to secure both championships. Reflecting on his journey, he told reporters, "From the start of the tournament, I already aimed for two championships." Shahadzryl, hailing from Kuantan, began playing badminton at the age of five and admires national badminton legend Lee Chong Wei.

His ultimate aspiration is to secure a spot in the Badminton Association of Malaysia's national setup. His doubles partner, 13-year-old Giap Han, echoed similar ambitions, stating their winning mentality was ingrained well before the match began, and he aims for a future in the BAM setup as well.

Shahadzryl's victory in the under-13 singles earned him a prize of RM2,000, while the U13 doubles title, won in partnership with Giap Han, secured an additional RM3,000.