Yusof brothers inch closer to doubles title

7th May 2010
The Brunei Times

BROTHERS Zainul and Hairuddin Md Yusof yesterday moved one step closer to reaching their target in the Yang Amat Mulia Pg Indera Mahkota Pg (Dr) Kamaluddin Al-Haj Badminton Championship Cup.

Favourites in the men's doubles (Category B), the siblings triumphed 21-16, 21-18 over Rahim and Ali Darwin to advance to the semi-finals.

"We're setting our target high for this tournament, so we're definitely gunning for the top spot," said the younger of the two, Zainul.

He has been training on his own since the age of 15 and is competing in the tournament for experience.

The siblings also competed at the Yonex Open in January, but did not play together in the tournament and were ousted in the early stages of their respective events.

The 19-year-old Zainul credits the chemistry with his brother for reaching the semi-finals of this tournament.

"The understanding we have of each other's playing style is one factor that has led us to this stage," said Zainul.

It was not an easy battle though, the siblings were caught off guard at various times in yesterday's match.

In the second set, they were left trailing 8-1 but rallied back to level the scores before clinching the set 21-18.

The tough part is yet to be over though and Zainul admits tougher opponents await them on the way to the title.

"Ismail and Amir probably pose the biggest threats for us," he told The Brunei Times yesterday.

In the final is probably when the fated meeting will occur.

The siblings, however, will first need to overcome the duo of Md Hashim Abdullah and Abd Hannan Hj Zulkiflee.

Md Hashim and Abd Hannan were forced to play in the rubber set after losing the first set. The pair ousted Shahrul and Nuruddin with the score of 9-21, 21-19, 21-12.

Ismail and Amir, on the other hand, will meet the other favourites of the event in the semi-finals, the duo of Burhan and Eko.

Powering over Zaini and Md Hassandin 21-10, 21-15 yesterday, Ismail and Amir have set a date with the pair for tonight's last four match.

Burhan and Eko secured their berth in the semi-finals by beating Ali Hussin and Suhif 21-10, 21-15.

All the respective semi-finals will be contested today starting at 7pm.