Credit Image : The star.com
Malaysian youngster Soong Joo Ven ( Image Above) has set himself a personal target to break into the top 50 in the world this year – a target which he believes is within his reach.
The 22-year-old from Ampang, Selangor, is currently ranked No 99 and could only reach the second round in the recent Victor Far East Malaysia Masters in Sibu, Sarawak.
After clearing the first round with a 21-15, 21-15 win over his Indonesian opponent Panji Akbar Sudrajat, the Malaysian was shown the exit by South Korean veteran Lee Hyun Il who won 12-21, 10-21. The Korean went on to reach the final against Hong Kong's Angus Ng Ka Long.
"It was a good experience playing the Korean…he is a world class player and there is no shame in my defeat to him," said Joo Ven who is in Ho Chi Minh City for the inaugural Robot Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships.
Joo Ven is a late replacement for Malaysia in the championships which got underway on Tuesaday. He replaces Malaysia's second ranked player Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin who is out of the Asian meet due to a back injury.
He joined the Malaysian team only on Saturday after playing for Kepong BC in the Purple League. Kepong BC seventh in the Purple League with Joo Ven winning his singles match against Sim Fong Hau 11-8, 11-4, 9-11, 11-8 in their 15-2 win over Serdang BC in the playoff.
"I am determined to do well in my badminton career this year. It is tough but I am set myself a personal target to make it into the top 50. Badminton has become very competitive with the arrival of many talented youngsters in the sport," says Joo Ven.
The former Selangor Sukma player is ready for the challenges in his badminton career and believes that he can "make it happen" in the shuttle sport.
He has given himself a couple of years to prove his worth and has not even thought of any other career apart from badminton.
His best in international meets was reaching the final in the Scottish Open last year where he lost to second seed Anders Antonsen 20-22, 14-21.
"To make the top 50 this year is the right way to keep myself motivated. The Malaysia Masters was my first tournament. I was rather surprised to get this late invitation for the Asian Mixed Team and I am ready for the challenge.
"It is a mixed team event and I am motivated to help Malaysia do well in the tournament,"
Malaysia are drawn in Group B with Indonesia and Sri Lanka. Malaysia are seeded fourth in the 13-team tournament. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage.
