Badminton

Roy King on a roll in Latvia International

National backup shuttler Yap Roy King (pic) is just glad to be back to his winning ways after a one-year absence from international tournaments due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

On Sunday, the 20-year-old bagged a double for Malaysia, winning the men's and mixed doubles titles at the Latvia International in Jelgava.

In the men's doubles final, Roy King and Nurfirdaus Azman dispatched teammates Wan Arif Wan Juanaidi and Haikal Nazri 21-23, 21-15, 21-19.

And in the all-Malaysian mixed doubles final, Roy King-Valeree Siow defeated Nurfirdaus-Low Yeen Yuan 22-20, 21-15.

Malaysia secured their third title when Valeree-Yeen Yuan scored a convincing 21-7, 21-17 win over Italy's Martina Corsini-Judith Mair in the women's doubles final.

Roy King, a former national junior champion, said: "I'm just glad to be winning tournaments again.

"Last year was so difficult. Although I was promoted to the senior squad, I did not play in any tournament because of the pandemic.

"I want to keep the momentum going to get my world ranking up again. I want to win more tournaments this year."

Asked if he was looking forward to the Thomas Cup selection next month, Roy King added: "Honestly, I am not thinking too much about it.

"I leave the planning to our coaches. So far, nothing has been confirmed."

The BA of Malaysia (BAM) have indicated they will not be calling up independent players for the Thomas and Uber Cup Finals in Aarhus, Denmark on Oct 9-17 to make way for younger shuttlers.

The national body will confirm 12 players each for the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup by mid next month.

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