Malaysian polo team just too good for Singapore
Sanjay hopes to partner Sivasangari again at Commonwealth Games
FRESH from his gold-medal winning feat, Sanjay Singh Chal is hoping to bring his mixed doubles partnership with S. Sivasangari to the Commonwealth Games next year.
The 23-year-old Sarawakian and the 18-year-old Kedahan bagged the third squash gold at the Games yesterday following Ng Eain Yow-Mohd Syafiq Kamal (men’s doubles) and Rachel Arnold-Andrea Lee’s (women’s doubles) feats.
Despite pairing up for the first time, Sanjay-Sivasangari showed good chemistry to beat teammates Ryan Pasqual-Andrea
Lee 11-9, 11-10 at the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil.
“We anticipated a close game because they were never too far from us during training,” said Sanjay.
“Perhaps we were just tactically better in the end.
“But it was really an enjoyable game ... there was no pressure since it’s between two Malaysian pairs. Sivasangari and I are really aiming for the Commonwealth Games in Australia next year.
“Personally it is very satisfying to win the gold. I now have three from three different events after my singles and team gold in 2015.
“It would have been nice to play in singles this year but I’m not disappointed to miss out. I’ve been injured for a long time and I have to accept that Eain Yow and Syafiq are currently ahead of me.
“But this is a good confidence boost and I’m definitely hoping to step up and come back stronger on the professional tour.”
Sivasangari will be gunning for a second gold in the women’s singles.
“After this win I’m feeling confident but Rachel and the Philippines’ Jemyca (Aribado) will be tough competitors,” said Sivasangari, who is the top seed.
The three-gold haul certainly puts the team on track to achieve their seven-gold target.
The men and women’s singles and team events start today. THE Malaysian polo team continued with their winning ways after beating Singapore 13-2.
Led by captain Shaik Reismann Mohamed Ismail, Malaysia led 4-0 in the first chukka and the gap widened until the third chukka when Malaysia went ahead 11-1 before clinching victory yesterday.
In their opening match, Malaysia defeated Brunei 12-4.
In the afternoon, Thailand defeated Brunei 10-3 in four chukkas.
The Thai team spearheaded by skipper and easily their best player, Nattapong Pratuee, led the way from the first chukka.
Brunei scored their three points through Pengiran Muda Bahar Jefri (two) and Princess Azeamah (one).
Malaysia will take on Thailand while Brunei will face Singapore on Saturday at the Royal Selangor Polo Club. — Bernama