SRAM not taking players to task for failing to hit target

PETALING JAYA: The Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) will not take any action on their players or coaches for failing to meet the seven-gold target at the SEA Games.

Malaysia, the strongest squash-playing nation in the region, fumbled when the men’s team lost to a vastly improved Philippines side in the semi-finals.

Ng Eain Yow (pic), the 2016 world junior champion and national junior champion Darren Rahul Pragasam crumbled under pressure in the 2-0 defeat.

SRAM president Huang Ying How said the humbling defeat is punishment enough for the young squad.

“I believe the players punished themselves with that defeat and we do not need to hand out further punishment,” said Ying How.

“I know the team took the event seriously and we weren’t being overconfident taking on the Philippines.

“I personally felt that it was a good learning experience for both players and coaches.

“I’ve had discussions with SRAM director Mejar (Rtd) S. Maniam and we agreed that we need to be better prepared for the men’s World Team Championship (in November), the Commonwealth and Asian Games.”

Meanwhile, Eain Yow endured more woes when he went out in the first qualifying round of the HKFC International in Hong Kong yesterday.

The world No. 83 blew a match ball as he lost 11-6, 6-11, 11-8, 11-13, 8-11 to homester Henry Leung.

Former national player Elvinn Keo also failed to make the main draw, losing 15-13, 13-11, 0-11, 8-11, 6-11 to Pakistan’s Israr Ahmed.

Mohd Nafiizwan Adnan, who is the defending champion, is now the sole Malaysian left in the competition.

The world No. 32 takes on Pakistan’s Farhan Mehboob in the first round tomorrow.