Promising junior Shahadzryl targets Lee Chong Wei Cup glory

Winning was not enough to satisfy Shahadzryl Suhaime as the Lee Chong Wei Cup (LCWC) Grand Finals kicked into full gear at Stadium Juara on Tuesday.

The 13-year-old Bukit Jalil Sports School prospect defeated Yeo Shi Yao 15-10, 15-13 in the Boys’ Under-13 Round of 64, but walked off court thinking about what he needed to improve on.

“I don’t think I performed well enough today. I played better in my first two matches,” said Shahadzryl.

“My speed wasn’t up to the mark and I know I could have done better. If I want to go far in this tournament, I can’t afford that because the challenge is only going to get tougher.”

The youngest of five siblings, and the only one who plays badminton competitively, Shahadzryl has already built an encouraging junior record.

He won the 2025 AFFIN 100PLUS Junior Elite Tour Finals boys’ U12 singles title before moving up an age group this year.

In 2026, he captured the JET second-leg Group A U14 singles title as well as the doubles crowns in both the first and second legs, before finishing runner-up in singles at the JET Finals.

But he has set sights on excelling on the world stage.

“My ultimate goal is to become an Olympic champion. But before that, I want to become Asian Junior champion and World Junior champion first,” said Shahadzryl.

Tournament founder Lee Chong Wei is among the players Shahadzryl has studied closely.

He was only six when Lee retired in 2019, but grew up catching glimpses of the former world No. 1 on television before revisiting his famous matches.

Among them is Lee's epic semi-final victory over arch-rival Lin Dan at the 2016 Rio Olympics remains his favourite.

Shahadzryl particularly admires Lee's forehand smash, but is equally fascinated by his intelligence in dictating rallies and the patience he showed in waiting for the right moment to attack.

For more information and the latest tournament results, visit www.leechongweicup.com, follow @leechongweicup.my on Instagram or the Lee Chong Wei Cup Facebook page.