Zi Yu-Genevie crowned junior world champs, ending Malaysia’s 34-year wait
The national junior women's doubles pair captured their maiden world title by defeating a Japanese pair.
KUALA LUMPUR - Low Zi Yu-Genevie Lim etched her name into Malaysia's sports history as the inaugural Malaysian champion in the girls' doubles category at the 2026 World Junior Badminton Championships held in Cairo, Egypt. This remarkable achievement marks the end of a 34-year drought for Malaysia in securing a title in this event.
The triumphant pair emerged victorious in the final match against Japan's Nijika Kamata-Shizuku Kashio, outscoring their opponents 15-7, 9-15, 15-12 in an intense showdown at the Cairo International Stadium. Their triumph culminated in Zi Yu-Genevie being crowned as the first-ever Malaysian champion in the girls' doubles event, a title long monopolized by Chinese representatives since its inception in 1992.
Zi Yu-Genevie's journey to the finals was no less inspiring. She bested China's Shi Si Chen-Xiang Yu Jin in a swift two-game sweep, 15-9, 15-11, in just 32 minutes, showcasing her prowess and determination in a display of sheer athleticism and skill.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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