Justin Hoh pays tribute to Misbun Sidek after winning Croatia Open

Justin Hoh paid tribute to Misbun Sidek after the youngster capped a magnificent stint in Europe by bagging the Croatia Open men’s singles title courtesy of a 21-15, 16-21, 21-18 victory over Nguyen Hai Hai Dang.

Hoh’s 80-minute victory in the wee hours of Friday morning at the city of Dubrovnik comes barely a week after the 18-year-old won the Bonn International title in Germany last week.

More impressively, Hoh triumphed in Croatia after working his way from qualifiers.

In total, Hoh navigated his way to the top over nine matches, including four in the qualifiers.

He also had to battle in three game duels in four of his main draw matches, and he was understandably knackered after securing his second senior title.

“I’m just so tired right now, but it’s all worth it. I want to thank Misbun Sidek for helping to take my game to a better level.

“Coach Misbun pushes me to the limit in every training session and I am reaping the rewards now. I came to Europe with ambition to win my first senior title, but I certainly did not expect to return with two,” he told New Straits Times.

Hoh set his sights next on claiming the World Junior Championships in Spain come this October, feeling confident of his chances after these titles in Europe.

“My ultimate goal is to become world junior champion,” he added.

Zulfadli Zulkiffli was the last shuttler to become a world junior champion in the boys' singles for Malaysia in 2011, while Goh Jin Wei more recently tasted success in the girl’s singles in 2015 and 2018.

Good Friday??!#CroatiaOpen2022 #DemiMalaysia#BadmintonMalaysia pic.twitter.com/3a6SwKPxZi

— BAM (@BA_Malaysia) June 24, 2022