KUALA LUMPUR: Jared Foo Dun Liang has advanced to the Lee Chong Wei Cup (LCWC) Boys’ Under-17 Round of 32 after overcoming a challenging opener.
The 17-year-old Sarawakian, who is now part of the national junior set-up, defeated Chew Li Chen 17-15, 15-7 at Stadium Juara, Bukit Kiara.
Jared said the opening game proved difficult as he struggled to settle before finding his rhythm and taking greater control in the second game.
“The first game was quite tough because I didn’t warm up properly and my opponent played well today,” said Jared in a press statement on Wednesday (Sept 2).
He said Li Chen’s shots made him uncomfortable initially, but he gradually regained confidence and returned to his usual standard towards the end of the match.
“His shots made me uncomfortable but towards the end of the second game, I felt I was playing more to my standard.”
Jared’s LCWC campaign represents another important step after he secured a place in the national junior programme following selection trials last November.
He began playing badminton at nine before joining the state programme at 13, eventually earning national selection for the 2026 season.
His biggest title so far came at the 2025 AFFIN 100PLUS Junior Elite Tour, where he won the first-leg Group C Boys’ U16 singles crown.
After going nine months without a medal, Jared is now determined to use the LCWC as an opportunity to return to the podium.
“My target here is just to get a medal because it has been about nine months since I last won one.”
The teenager also carries strong Sarawak pride, drawing motivation from representing his home state while aiming to establish himself among Malaysia’s leading juniors.
“Yes, definitely,” Jared said when asked about the added motivation to make Sarawak proud, recalling his recent experience representing the state at SUKMA.
His longer-term ambition is to compete at the Olympics while his immediate focus remains securing opportunities at major international junior tournaments.
“I think I’m on the right track. I definitely want to make it to the World Juniors.”
Meanwhile, the Girls’ Under-17 draw produced an intense contest as Cheah Yu Xuan edged close friend Kiera Wong Yin Xuen in three sets.
Yu Xuan prevailed 15-6, 12-15, 16-14 after Kiera erased a 14-10 deficit in the deciding game by saving four match points.
Wednesday’s programme featured 114 matches across 11 events involving Under-13, Under-15 and Under-17 singles and doubles categories.
