Eain Yow and Sivasangari in the reckoning for Malaysian Open titles
KUALA LUMPUR: Ng Eain Yow and S. Sivasangari are just a match away from a career breakthrough win after cruising into the men and women’s finals of the Ohana Malaysian Open squash championships.
The 19-year-old Eain Yow defeated his senior Ivan Yuen 11-9, 8-11, 7-11, 11-9, 12-10 in the semi-finals at the National Squash Centre yesterday. Eain Yow will face Hong Kong’s Leo Au in the final today.
Eain Yow exacted revenge as he had lost to Ivan in the semi-finals of the National Championship in May.
“It was anybody’s game right until the end and I’m happy to pull through,” said Eain Yow.
“This victory is very emotional because Ivan is like my big brother.
“And I kind of redeemed myself after a series of disappointment in the past one year. I did not do well at the Asian Juniors (reaching the semi-finals in September last year) and failed to help Malaysia win the team gold at the KL SEA Games (in August, losing the first match).
“I have been performing well throughout the week and hopefully I can end my drought tomorrow.”
Eain Yow will bid to become the first Malaysian winner since Azlan Iskandar triumphed in 2010.
Sivasangari will take on two-time South African national champion Milnay Louw for the women’s crown after powering past Japan’s Satomi Watanabe 11-8, 6-11, 11-2, 11-7.
While the world No. 47 is salivating at the prospect of joining Nicol David in the illustrious list of champions which includes Egypt’s Raneem El Welily and Australian legends Sarah Fitz Gerald and Michelle Martin, she is quick to remind herself not to get carried away.
“It would mean a lot if I could win it,” said Sivasangari.
“I may have beaten Milnay 3-0 in France (Nantes Open) last month but it’s going to be a different game altogether in the final tomorrow.”
This victory is very emotional because Ivan is like my big brother. Ng Eain Yow