Shuttlers Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi’s exit from the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) fold have certainly brought them luck.

The independent men’s doubles pair Yew Sin-Ee Yi ended their four-year title drought by lifting the men’s doubles title in the Thailand Masters at the Huamark Indoor Stadium in Bangkok yesterday.

The world No. 20 pulled off the win in style when they brilliantly came from behind to subdue the stubborn Huang Kaixiang-Liu Cheng of China 18-21,21-17,21-17 in a thrilling match that lasted 72 minutes.

In the earlier rounds, Kaixiang-Liu Cheng had beaten two other Malaysian pairs, Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik (first round) and Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong (semi-finals), in straight sets but they finally found their match in Yew Sin-Ee Yi, who were fired up from the start of the match.

Ee Yi even fell twice and grazed his knee but that did not stop him from giving his best as he stormed back on court after medical attention.

It was a sweet victory for Yew Sin-Ee Yi, who had been dropped by BAM three weeks ago.

Until yesterday, they had won only one title under BAM, the Bitburger Open in Germany in 2016.

They came close twice at the 2017 New Zealand Open and Malaysian Masters last year but they crashed out in the final both times.

But they have indeed shown renewed determination since leaving the national fold and it won the admiration of national coaching director Wong Choong Hann.

In fact, the duo were the only independent pair named as one of three pairs in the squad for the Asia Team Championships in Manila, Philippines, from Feb 11-16, together with Aaron-Wooi Yik and Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani.

Choong Hann is happy that duo’s positive attitude has landed them a title.

“In the past, they thought they had given their best efforts but now, when they bring out the extra fire in them, they can persevere even in tough times… now, they have won a title, ” said Choong Hann.

“All this while, it was achievable for them. We welcome this renewed zest in them.”

Meanwhile, Yew Sin-Ee Yi were the only representatives in the final following the defeats of V Shem – Wee Kiong and two mixed doubles pairs – Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie and Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing in the semi-finals.