Danial ready for a strong debut in world meet

PETALING JAYA: The past six months have been a “learning curve” for budding junior squash player Danial Nurhaqiem (pic).

Having made the step up to the older age-group from the Under-15 category, the Terengganu boy is coming to terms with the more physical aspect of the game.

And that has made the Form Four student of the Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) believe that he is ready to make a strong impression in the World Junior Championships in Tauranga, New Zealand, from July 19-29 and the Asian Junior Championships in Amman, Jordan, from Aug 15-19.

“This is my first year moving up from the Under-15 age group and I believe my progress has been good,” said Danial, who is the reigning Asian Junior Under-15 champion.

“I did not win as many tournaments as I did last year, but my game has improved and I’m giving the older boys a better fight.

“I’m really excited about making my debut at the world juniors. It will be a real experience challenging them.

“I’ve been working really hard on my accuracy, fitness and mental strength. I hope to at least reach the third round.”

Danial, who is unseeded for the world juniors, has a first-round bye and will meet Australian Lachlan Coxsedge in the second round.

A win will see him meeting joint third-fourth seed Victor Crouin of France in the third round.

Danial’s main goal, though, is the Asian Juniors.

“It will be tough at the Asian Juniors as there are a few Indian players in my age-group who are pretty strong,” said Danial.

For now Danial, who turns 16 in October, is happy to focus on the ongoing Penang Junior Open, where he is seeded joint fifth-eighth.