The first day of the MAYBANK National Circuit Grand Prix Finals 2015 saw most of the players from Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) winning their respective matches. However, in the womens’ singles, Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) player, Ng Qi Xuan created an upset against BAM player, Lim Chiew Sien winning the match 7/21, 21/18, 21/13.

The 16 year-old who emerged as the champion in the second leg of the national circuit was excited and also surprised on her victory against her senior.

“I was already feeling very nervous even before the match. Knowing that I was facing a senior player, I wanted to play my best but at the same time, I put too much pressure on myself. I made so many unforced errors as I was too eager to get more points and that could have been the reason on why I only managed to get 7 points in the first game.

I knew that I had to calm down and change my strategies. So, I decided to serve low instead of my usual high serves and since I am player who prefers long rallies, I decided to go with that style of play and fortunately, my strategy worked,” said the delighted Qi Xuan.

However, as this being the group stage, Qi Xuan lost her next game to Lee Ying Ying and she has one more match against top seed, Tee Jing Yi this evening. A win will be her only way to make it to the semi-final. Despite having a slim chance to make it to the last four, her performance has certainly strengthened her chances of making the team for next year’s Asian and World Junior Championships.

Qi Xuan who is playing singles and doubles was once again in top form to dispose top seeds, Joyce Choong/ Yap Cheng Wen in the womens’ doubles with her partner, M. Thinaah. In other categories, mens’ singles shuttleer, Iskandar continued his fine run in Group A to defeat Chen Tang Jie of Negeri Sembilan and teammate, R. Satheishtharan. He is expected to win his final match against Ai Wei Jian of Selangor this evening. Awaiting him in the semi-finals will be the winner of Group C and that will be decided today when BAM player, Soo Teck Zhi meets SEA Games silver medalist, Mohd Arif Abdul Latif.