He’s hell on wheels (SEPTEMBER 17 - 23)
Aggressive Abu Samah stuns defending champ to bag gold
NATIONAL wheeelchair tennis player Abu Samah Borhan played the match of his life to deliver Malaysia’ss first-ever men’s singgles gold in the Open categegory.
The 32-year-old, who is paralysed waist down following a road accident in 2006, was on top of his game as he stunned defending champion and top seed Suthi Khlongrua of Thailand 6-2, 7-6 (7-2) at the National Tennis Centre in Jalan Duta yesterday.
World No. 46 Abu Samah started aggressively to break world No. 43 Suthi twice in the early stages before taking the first set 6-2.
He was up 4-2 in the second set when Suthi fought back to tie the set at 6-6.
Abu Samah regained his composure in the tie break and clinched victory when Suthi fumbled in the closing stages.
“I had only one thing on my mind during the match – that we were the hosts and this was my best chance to win,” said an overjoyed Abu Samah, who celebrated the win with his wife Norisah Bahrom and son Adam Danial.
“It was a tough match and I stuttered a bit after leading 4-2 in the second set.
“I made a few unforced errors and Suthi, who has qualified for the Paralympics twice on merit, took his chances.
“But I gave it 110% after that and took my chances.
“I also didn’t want it to go to a rubber game.
“I’m really pleased to have come through a tough challenge to win the gold.”
Abu Samah failed to make it a double joy after falling short in the men’s doubles with Ariffahmi Zaquan Ariffin.
Suthi, who partnered Wittaya Peemmee, spoiled the party by clinching a convincing 6-2, 6-4 win.
Malaysia then nailed their second wheelchair tennis gold through Azman Hasan in the quad category.
The 50-year-old grandfather of two rolled back the years to beat Thailand’s Sombut Yampapha 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 in the final.
“I think Azman felt the pressure a little. It’s not easy for him since he only came out of retirement recently and has only been training part time,” said national wheelchair tennis head coach Mohd Nadir Ashraf.
“We achieved our two-gold target and that’s what matters.
“The players certainly deserve credit for all the hard work.”
Malaysia ended the wheelchair tennis campaign with a 2-1-3 haul.