Incredible Arif Latif stretches his winning streak in the semi-final of the National GP Finals 2011
Malaysian shuttler, Arif Latif, who is a future hope for the country, continued his winning streak by thrashing his senior opponent, Tan Chun Seang, in a semi-final match of the National GP Finals 2011, in Malaysia’s Negri indoor arena, on February 20.
It was an epic fight that took 52 minutes of quality badminton and ended in favour of Arif Latif. In the other semi-final battle, the World Number One and top seed in the event, Lee Chong Wei defeated Chong Wei Feng, in straight games.
The back-up shuttler, Arif Latif, delivered a tremendous performance when he proved his worth in the semi-final match against Tan Chung Seang, who was a major contender of the title in the National GP Finals 2011. The smiling faced Arif is gradually improving
his game’s level in his physical areas, as well as the psychological aspects under the supervision of his coach, Hendrawan. He will meet Lee Chong Wei, who is the current top seed in the world, in the final of the event.
In the opening set of the match, both shuttlers will put all their skills in the match. It was a close fight in the first game and it was senior player, Tan Chun Seang, who won the first set by the score of 21-18. Stung by the loss of the first set, Arif
strongly fought back and levelled the match by clinching the second set by 21-15 margin. The third and final game was about the absolute brilliance of Arif, as he remained on the driving seat and won the set by a huge margin of 21-9.
The defending champion, Lee Chong Wei, also won his semi-final battle against Chong Wei Feng, in straight-sets. The younger player played good badminton but the World Number One was on a different level of the game. The top seed won the match by 21-16, 21-19
and stepped into the final, where he will be facing Arif Latif on the opposite side of the court.
After winning the semi-final match, Arif expressed that his target was to reach in the semi-finals and he is one step ahead now. He does not have high chances against the top seed, Chong Wei, but he is willing to deliver the best he can. He also added that
his physical fitness is much better now, when compared to a couple of years back. By the assistance of Hendrawan, this passionate shuttler is determined to represent his country at the international level.
Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) is also working hard to bridge the gap between Chong Wei and the rest of badminton players in Malaysia. The impressive run of Arif will draw the attention of officials and he will be among the favourites to join the
national squad of badminton players in the Men’s Singles category.
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