Zailani Yun (L) going up for the smash during his men's doubles match against Hanef and Rudy. BT/Syarif Rasani
Men's Doubles duo Zailani Yun and Amran Kambar sealed their spot in the final of the National Badminton Championship Brunei Darussalam yesterday.
The two eased past their opponents Hanef and Rudy 21-12, 21-14 at the Indoor Stadium of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas.
Ermadena Hj Talip and Sia Kok An will be their challengers after they earned their spot with a 21-13, 15-21, 21-14 against Yusman and Ating.
Zailani and Amran didn't expect to reach this far as they both joined to show support towards Brunei badminton and the young and upcoming players.
"We didn't have a target going into this tournament and didn't expect to win tonight to reach the final because our preparation for this was only a month plus," Zailani told The Brunei Times following their win.
"Before we used to spar with Ermadena and An because we are all ex-national players.
"Usually they are the ones who win when we spar because Amran plays singles and I'm a veteran already.
"We stopped in 2006, after that we retired and concentrated more on our jobs.
"The reason we joined the tournament was to support badminton and the young players," added Zailani.
Four third and fourth place matches were also held during yesterday's meet.
Siti Nurhayati Mohd Jefri sealed third in the girls' singles after taking out Dk Amal Nazurah Pg Hj Abd Mobeen 21-15, 22-20.
Md Nazirul Syahiran Md Azmay took third for the boys' singles after a tight 19-21, 21-18, 21-16 win against Md Nazirul Hazwan Md Fazrie.
The women's single saw Sazelinah Hj Mohammad Sa'at earn third through a 15-21, 21-18, 21-13 play against Dk Nurhaziqah Pg Shahminan. Pg Hj Ismail Pg Hj Othman and Mohammad Hj Othman outplayed brothers Hj Anuar (P) Hj Ibrahim and Hj Shahbuddin 13-21, 24-22, 21-13 for the bronze medal.
