New-look squad for men’s world team squash meet

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia have named a new-look squad for the Men’s World Team Squash Championship in Marseille, France, from Nov 27-Dec 3.

Only national No. 1 Mohd Nafiizwan Adnan (pic) is from the team who competed in the 2013 edition in Mulhouse, France.

The 2015 edition was supposed to be held in Cairo, Egypt, but it was cancelled due to security concerns.

Joining Nafiizwan this time will be national champion Ivan Yuen, who will be making only his second world teams’ appearance since 2009, and young debutants Ng Eain Yow and Mohd Syafiq Kamal.

And Malaysia, who are without Ong Beng Hee and Mohd Azlan Iskandar for the first time in 20 years, are only targeting a quarter-final finish after ending up eighth in 2013.

“It won’t be easy as the likes of New Zealand, Germany, Hong Kong and India are all very strong apart from title favourites Egypt, England and France,” admitted Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) director Mejar (Rtd) S. Maniam.

“But I believe anything is possible if we stay positive. It’s also a good test for our men’s team ahead of next year’s Asian Games in Jakarta.”

Malaysia are expected to be seeded 10th and will have their work cut out to make the top eight.

Egypt, with six players in the world’s top 10, should be top seeded, followed by defending champions England, who will be led by world No. 5 Nick Matthew and world No. 10 James Willstrop.

France, who are seeking their first world team title, are also strong contenders as they’ll have world No. 1 Gregory Gaultier in the fray.