Huzaini Md Salleh in action during the National Badminton Championship Brunei Darussalam 2014 yesterday at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas. Picture: BT/ Syarif Rasani
Two former national shuttlers smashed their way into the men's singles quarter-finals of the National Badminton Championship Brunei Darussalam 2014 yesterday.
Huzaini Md Salleh was the first to seal his spot in the last eight after defeating Mohammad Hamka Suhaili 21-17, 21-9.
Huzaini Md Salleh expressed hopes that he will make it to the final of the competition despite not feeling fully confident.
"It's been three of four years since I've played in a tournament like this," said Huzaini during an interview with The Brunei Times.
"Mohammad Hamka was a good opponent but he didn't have that much experience," said Huzaini.
Amran Kambar booked his berth after taking out Fadzillah Hj Mohd Seruddin 21-14, 21-15 at the Indoor Stadium of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas.
Amran joined the competition for fun and hasn't set himself any targets.
"I just joined for fun and if I win, I win and if I lose, I lose," said Amran.
"There are a lot of good and consistent players who joined.
"I've retired from the national team for a long time now and around six months ago there wasn't anything to do so I started playing again.
"I didn't know Brunei was going to have this tournament but when I found out I just joined to try (my luck) because it's been a long time," added Amran.
The women's singles division also saw three players secure themselves spots into the semi-finals, in addition to Siti Marinah Mohd Salleh receiving a bye.
Sazelinah Hj Mohammad Sa'at outplayed Nurul Ajeerah Hj Mohin 21-8, 21-10, Dk Nurhaziqah Pg Sahminan edged Nuraqilah Shahroney 17-21, 21-13, 21-14 and Noor Nekma R Hj Rosley progressed with a 21-15, 21-10 win against Nor Alinah Ain Hj Awg Ali Omar.
Siti Marinah will face Sazelinah while Dk Nurhaziqah will go head to head with Noor Nekma on Sunday.
The tournament also saw action in the boys' singles (18 years and below), girls' singles, men's veteran, women's doubles and men's doubles yesterday.
Three hundred and fifty six shuttlers joined the seven day competition that will end on Wednesday.
The large pool of participants will provide Brunei National Badminton Association with a wider range of choices for the upcoming Brunei international Challenged scheduled for Nov 18-23.
The championship continues with the boys' doubles, men's veterans, boys' singles and men's doubles tonight at 7.30pm.
