Abu Samah sets up date with top seed in wheelchair tennis final

KUALA LUMPUR: National wheelchair tennis player Abu Samah Borhan boosted his chance of winning his first gold medal at the 9th ASEAN Para Games (APG) by advancing to the final after overcoming compatriot Mohamad Yusshazwan Yusoff in the semi-final yesterday.

Abu Samah, who took part in the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, performed consistently to record a 6-1, 6-2 victory at the Jalan Duta Tennis Complex and set up a date with top seed Suthi Khlongrua from Thailand in the final on Thursday.

The top seed and defending champion from Thailand advanced to the final after beating another Malaysian, Ariffahmi Zaquan Ariffin, 6-1, 6-3 in another semi-final.

Abu Samah, 32, when met by reporters after the match said he was happy with his performance although it was his first action after receiving a bye in the quarterfinals on Monday.

“This is my first match and I am happy because all the strategies planned went well and I hope this positive momentum will carry on when I meet Suthi in the final.

“I have lost once and won once against Suthi and surely, on my own turf, I want to win and present a gold medal to my country,” he said here yesterday.

Abu Samah, winner of the bronze medal at the 2011 edition in Solo, Indonesia vowed to play a perfect game to realise his dream of winning a gold medal to help the country emerge as the overall champion.

“He has his advantages and weaknesses, ditto here. So, I will do my best and try to avoid making simple mistakes,” he added. – Bernama