Wiser Abu Samah says it’s time to wheel in the gold
ABU Samah Borhan was just ta novice in the national wheelchair tennis team when the sport was last held at the Asean Para Games — in Solo, Indonesia, six years ago. .
Even then, Abu Samah, whow became paralysed waist downown following a road accident in 2006, showed signs of his potential by finishing with a bronze in the men’s singles of the Open category.
Fast forward to today, the 32-yearold is hoping to break his gold medal duck at the Games in front of the home fans.
The world No. 46 certainly showed what he’s made of after thumping compatriot Mohd Yusshazwan Yusoff in the semi-finals at the National Tennis Centre in Jalan Duta yesterday.
With his wife Norisah Bahrom, also a member of the national wheelchair tennis team, supporting from the sidelines, second seed Abu Samah proved too strong for 22-year-old Yusshazwan as he powered to a 6-1, 6-2 win.
He will face top seed and word No. 43 Suthi Khlongrua of Thailand in the final tomorrow.
Suthi thrashed Malaysian Ariffahmi Zaquan Ariffin 6-1, 6-3 in the other semi-final.
“I was just a novice and training part-time when I made my debut at tthe Asean Para Games in 2011,” recalled Abu Samah.
“Now, I’m more experienced and I’m also training full time.
“It’s time to put what I’ve learned to winning a gold.
“It’s also a big boost for me to have my wife supporting me from the sidelines. Just being able to catch a glance of her is motivation enough.
“It’s going to be tough when I face Suthi but I’ve beaten him before and I know he’s got weaknesses. I just need to take my chances.”
The Selangor-born Abu Samah is also on course for the doubles gold after partnering Ariffahmi to win their first match in the four-pair round-robin competition.
Abu Samah-Ariffahmi showed good understanding to down Banjob Suwan-Sunthon Sridaeng of Thailand 6-1, 6-3.
In the quad category, grandfather-of-two Azman Hasan is virtually assured of gold after winning his second match in the four-man round-robin competition.
The 50-year-old defeated Thai Sombut Yampapha, his toughest challenger, 6-3, 6-4.
Azman will wrap up his campaign against winless Nattaporn Taosrisakul, also of Thailand, today.