Junior men’s doubles shuttlers Mohd Faiq Masawi-Lok Hong Quan are poised to join forces at the upcoming World Junior Championships, following their impressive performance at the Malaysian Junior International Challenge.

The top-seeded pair delivered a solid display to secure the title, overcoming fellow national compatriots Isyraf Hafizin Ibrahim-Ahmad Redzuan Zulwaqqarizal in a gripping final. After dropping the first game, Faiq and Hong Quan rallied to clinch a 17-21 21-14 21-16 victory yesterday in Dewan Wawasan 2020, Kangar.

Last year, the duo finished as runners-up to Malaysia’s leading junior pair, world junior No. 1 Aaron Tai and No. 2 Kang Khai Xing. Faiq and Hong Quan capitalized on the opportunity, capturing their first title of the year in a memorable fashion.

In the mixed doubles category of the home tournament, Malaysian pair Wee Yee Tern and Nicole Tan had to settle for the runners-up position. They faced a formidable challenge from South Korea’s Lee Hyeong-woo and Cheon Hye-In, who claimed the title with a 21-13, 21-13 victory.