Shuttlers Damien and Datu hope to hit it off in their first partnership

The Star

25-04-2025

Shuttlers Datu Anif Isaac (front) and Damien Ling making their presence felt in Ipoh. - Ronnie Chin/The Star
IPOH: Doubles shuttler Damien Ling hopes to find the right rhythm with new partner Datu Anif Isaac in a bid to emerge as the boys' Under-18 champions in their first tournament together in Ipoh.
Both 17, are the top seeds in the under-age national meet and are through to the fourth round after beating Sarawak's Brendon Jong-Roderick Wong 15-7, 15-2 at the Academy Badminton Perak yesterday.
Anif and Damien will face Perak's Aison Diong-Ong Chin Hang next in the fifth round.
Damien, who is from Putrajaya, is pleased with the positive start with Anif but believes they still have room for improvement.
This is the first time that Anif is playing in the boys' doubles as he had been focusing in the mixed doubles with Dania Sofea Zaidi.
"Anif and I only started training together two weeks ago when our coach (Hoon Thien How) told us that we will be paired together," said Damien, who played with Pang Khai Zhe before.
"I'm excited to play with Anif as he is strong at the back court due to playing in mixed doubles as well.
"So far everything is going well for us but we still have much to improve.
"We are hoping to give our partnership a boost by winning the title in our first tournament together."
Damien grew up idolizing Indonesian great Kenvin Sanjaya and hopes to mimic the latter's entertaining style of play.
Kevin formed a hugely successful partnership with Marcus Fernaldi Gideon and the duo were fondly called the minions due to their speed and outrageous skills.
Kevin was known for his brilliant front court play and the 17-year-old Damien wants to follow in the former's footsteps.
"When I was younger, I loved watching Kevin Sanjaya. His playing style is very interesting," said Damien.
"He is so fast and skillful at the front court and he is also mentally strong. hope to emulate him one day."
Meanwhile, Anif, who has been doing well in the mixed doubles with Dania is looking forward to playing in two events.
The Sabahan finished runners-up with Dania in the Dutch Junior International in March.
"Playing in only one event can get a bit boring after a while, so it's interesting to play in the men's doubles too," said Anif.
"Playing with Dania and Damien is different as they both have different strengths.
"Damien is faster at the front court than me and I will need some time to get used to playing with him."