MIRI: Miri Badminton Association (MBA) shuttlers have impressed across divisions, with Ezra Liau Jih Loch clinching the boys’ Under-12 singles crown and Wafa Shahmina Rahman finishing runner-up in the girls’ Under-16.
The Sarawak Badminton Association (SBA) Junior Badminton Tournament 2025, a three-day competition held at the SBA Hall from September 5 to 7, drew 335 entries across the Under-12 and Under-16 categories, making it one of the largest junior badminton tournaments in the state.
Ezra delivered one of the standout moments of the tournament after defeating Sarawak’s top seed Danice Tching in straight games, 21-17, 22-20, to emerge champion in the boys’ singles Under-12 category.
His victory not only secured the title but also underlined Miri’s rising presence in the state badminton scene.
In the girls’ singles Under-16, Wafa put on a fighting display in her final against top seed Janice Tching, stretching the match to three games before going down 21-17, 22-24, 21-17 to settle for the first runner-up position.
Her teammate, Wendy Feebie Ricky, also impressed by clinching the second runner-up spot with a 21-15, 21-16 scoreline.
The MBA contingent also fared strongly in the doubles events. Ezra partnered with Eric Chen Ying Tuan to finish first runner-up in the boys’ doubles Under-12, pushing their Kuching opponents into a deciding third set before eventually falling 14-21, 21-17, 17-21.
In the girls’ doubles Under-12, the pairing of Jenelle Chee Hai Xing and Raisha Adelia Rezza also finished as first runner-up after narrowly losing to Kuching 20-22, 20-22 in a hard-fought match.
Meanwhile, Wafa and Wendy teamed up in the girls’ doubles Under-16 final, but had to concede the match on a walkover due to injury, settling for runner-up.
