Malaysian girls stamp their class in Asian Junior Squash Championships

PETALING JAYA: It was a mixed outing for hosts Malaysia despite winning four titles at the Asian Junior Squash Championships.

The Malaysian girls were the toast with S. Sivasangari leading the way by capturing the Under-19 crown. Aifa Azman (pic) (Under-15) and her sister Aira (Under-13) were the other winners.

In the boys’ category, Danial Nurhaqiem saved Malaysia the blushes when he defeated teammate Mohd Amir Amirul for the Under-15 title.

World junior champion Ng Eain Yow was expected to deliver the Under-19 crown, but he was beaten by Jordan’s Mohammad Alsarraj. Darryl Gan, the other title hopeful, also lost out in the last four of the Under-17 event.

At last year’s championships in Iran, Malaysia returned home with a six-title haul.

Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) director of coaching Major (rtd) S. Maniam said Eain Yow’s loss was a timely wake-up call.

“We can’t rest on our laurels. Eain Yow is a committed player but it just wasn’t his day this week,” said Maniam.

“Further down the pipeline, our Under-17 players are still lacking behind players from the other countries. Our coaches need to work together to develop more depth across the board.

“Ultimately, we want our juniors to close the gap on the seniors as they are still some way off. Eain Yow is closing in, but we need more to follow suit.”

Meanwhile, national junior coach Andrew Cross was full of praise for Danial and Amir.

“Both Danial and Amir had an exceptional week, especially Danial as he came into the championships after a loss at the Malaysian Junior Open last month,” said Cross.

“Most of the juniors will compete in three back-to-back Malaysian Tour Squash Circuit (SSJM) tournaments next month. It will give them more exposure to move forward,” added Cross.

The SSJM No. 4 will start in Penang from Oct 4-7, followed by Kangar from Oct 9-12 and Kuantan from Oct 24-28.