Azlan aims to have two more bigger purse events for SSJM
PETALING JAYA: The fifth edition of the Malaysian Tour Squash Circuit (SSJM) is set to start in December.
And former national player Mohd Azlan Iskandar, who founded the SSJM in 2013, is looking to give the circuit a lift in a bid to cater to the growing standards of the national players.
Many young Malaysian players emerged big winners in the 11 legs of the last circuit, which ran from 20162017.
World No. 61 S. Sivasangari won the most titles – seven in total – including the last leg two weeks ago.
The likes of Rachel Arnold, Teh Min Jie and Andrea Lee also won a title each, with Hong Kong’s Tong Tsz Wing the only non-Malaysian winner in the women’s category.
For the men, national No. 4 Mohd Syafiq Kamal bagged two titles while Ng Eain Yow and Elvinn Keo won a title each.
Only two legs – the men’s third and the women’s seventh – were PSA10 (US$10,000; RM42,000) events.
The others were all the lowest tier PSA5 (US$5,000; RM21,100) events.
Azlan aims to include at least two more PSA10 events to keep pushing the youngsters.
“When the SSJM first started, it was hard to even have Malaysian winners. Now all the young ones are coming up fast,” said Azlan.
“I hope to keep the SSJM going. It’s important to have continuity because it’s something the next batch of players can look forward to.
“It’s also for the SSJM to grow together with the players. I’m hopeful of having at least four PSA10 events.”
Besides the young players, another who could benefit from the SSJM is former world No. 5 Low Wee Wern.
The 27-year-old is still recovering from her knee injuries and is expected to return to action in December.
Wee Wern, who is No. 55 in the world, will drop to the bottom of the world ranking – No. 229 – next month and the SSJM will be perfect platform for her to restart her career.