By Aimi G.
Singaporean shuttler Jason Teh has clinched his first international title after beating China’s Wang Zhengxing 21-18, 15-21, 21-19 in the Thailand Masters men’s singles final on 2 February.
“I was lucky to win today.
“Honestly, either of us could have won the final.
“But I have definitely learnt a lot from my past losses, and the experience helped me with this victory,” he told The Straits Times.
Teh’s victory in the US$240,000 (S$325,000) Super 300 event at the Nimibutr Stadium in Bangkok was a testament to his resilience.
Teh dominated the opening game with sharp net play and well-placed smashes, fending off Wang’s late charge.
The second game saw him struggle, falling 9-19 before a short comeback was cut short by errors.
The decider was then nail-biting.
Up 17-14, Teh suddenly found himself trailing 17-18, then 18-19.
But just as his doubts crept in, Wang faltered.
However, luck was on his side as a double of mistakes gave him a lifeline, and he seized it with a flurry of smashes to finally claim his first international trophy – and a US$18,000 prize cheque.
This win is expected to propel him into the world’s top 30 for the first time.
National coach Kim Ji-hyun praised Teh’s breakthrough title.
“He has been working so hard by himself over the past many months, and his efforts have finally paid off,” added the South Korean, who has urged Teh to remain focused and aim for success in the higher-tier Super 500, 750 and 1000 events.
“We will get there together.
“This is definitely a huge confidence booster for him as he heads into the All England for the first time in his career next month.
“Of course, Jason understands that this is just a stepping stone to ultimately getting on the podium at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.”
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