BADMINTON is not popular in Africa, and Malaysian shuttlers seldom travel to that continent for tournaments.
But independent men's doubles Boon Xin Yuan-Wong Tien Ci made the trip to Kampala to compete in the Uganda International, an international challenge event.
And it has paid handsomely.
The Serdang BC-backed pair were crowned the men's doubles champions after defeating Germany's Jones Ralfy Jansen-Jan Colin Volker 21-15, 21-14 in the final on Sunday.
It was their first international title as a pair.
The World No 364 are expected to enjoy a big jump on the world ranking, edging closer to the top 200 when the new list is released today.
Xin Yuan and Tien Ci only paired up in the second half of last year.
In December, they made the semi-finals of the Welsh International before losing 22-24, 21-15, 21-17 to former world No 2 Kim Sa Rang-Kim Gi Jung of South Korea.
Tien Ci, 24, hopes to build on this solid start to the season with Xin Yuan, 23.
"This victory is just the beginning. We are going to take things slowly because it's not easy for us," said Tien Ci.
"We have no coaches, and we make our own decisions on the court during tournaments.
"We are determined to go far in the sport. If everything goes well, we hope to break into the top 100 by the end of the year.
"As professionals, we have to strive harder to make an impact. We hope our efforts will encourage sponsors to fund our dream.
"We're grateful to have Serdang BC backing us along with other sponsors such as Redone, Ancom and Protech."
Serdang BC owner Ong Ewe Hock believes the win in Uganda will motivate Xin Yuan-Tien Ci to do better at the Slovak Open (March 2-5) and Portugal International (March 10-13).
"We have spent a lot of money on them, and I am happy with their progress. We hope they will progress and do better in Europe," he said.
Sisters, Kasturi and Venosha Radhakrishnan of Petaling Jaya BC also made an impact in Uganda by winning the women's doubles event after overcoming second seeds Martina Corsini-Judith Mair 21-18, 21-19.