Text by Grace Cai – Photo Credit: NMBA
13 July 2024 – Malaysian badminton sensation Justin Hoh has secured one runner-up and one men’s singles titles in Saipan. After a challenging run at the CROWNE PLAZA Northern Marianas Open 2024 last week, where he reached the finals but fell short against strong opponent, Cheng Kai from Chinese Taipei, Hoh redeemed himself this week by triumphing at the DOVE Saipan International 2024.
In a thrilling final, Hoh faced Japan’s Ryoma Muramoto and emerged victorious with a straight-sets win, 21-16, 21-18. Reflecting on his journey, Hoh admitted that last week’s loss was a bitter pill to swallow. “Despite some personal issues arising, last week’s final was disappointing. Not getting the win was hard,” he shared. “This week, I was already pretty tired, and it was tough on my body with back-to-back tournaments, but I just trusted myself and pushed through.”
The final against Muramoto was no walk in the park. In the second game, Muramoto staged a comeback, gaining a few crucial points. Hoh’s strategy during these critical moments was to remain calm and focused. “I just told myself to stay calm and focus on my play,” he said. He believes his mental resilience played a significant role in his victory. “Being able to take care of my nerves and manage stress during deciding points gave me an edge.”
Justin Hoh’s triumph is a testament to his determination and mental fortitude. His ability to stay composed under pressure and trust his abilities has proven to be a winning formula. As he prepares for his next tournament in two weeks, the badminton world watches eagerly, anticipating more stellar performances from this rising star.
Congratulations to Justin Hoh on his remarkable achievement, and best wishes as he continues to build on his success.
