Singapore shuttler Loh Kean Yew has beaten China's two-time Olympic medalist Lin Dan and emerged champion at the Thailand Masters finals on Sunday, Jan. 13.

The Thailand Masters is an important competitive tournament, as it is only four levels below the BWF world tour finals, which is pretty much the Olympics of the shuttling world.

Loh takes home a winner’s cheque of US$11,250, which is roughly S$15,000.

The 21-year-old, who is born in Penang, Malaysia won Lin in straight sets 21-19 and 21-18 in what is a surprise upset.

Previously, Loh had won three bronze SEA Games medals, with two in the men's singles and men's team category in 2015, and one more bronze in 2017 in the men's team category.

Here's video footage of him winning the match

Skip to the 14-second mark for the epic moment where Low cheers in joy and collapses onto the floor in euphoria.

Reactions

Fellow Singaporeans were quick to congratulate Loh's win, such as Grace Fu, who is Minister for Culture, Community and Youth:

https://www.facebook.com/TeamSG/photos/a.513217998701411/2125738457449349/

And while there was some talk about his nationality, most agreed that he was representing us:

And if you haven't already realised, his name and initials resemble a very prominent Singaporean figure, which led to this comment:

Regardless, his is a name to remember.

Congratulations, Loh.

Top image adapted via SG Sports TV

 

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