Nafiizwan ends 21-month wait for title
Mohd Nafiizwan Adnan’s determination and perseverance are finally paying off after he rediscovered his winning rhythm back on the Professional Squash Association (PSA) Tour.
The national No. 1 was in fine form to beat top seed Campbell Grayson of New Zealand 11-6, 7-11, 11-6, 11-4 in the final of the Manitoba Open in Winnipeg, Canada, on Sunday.
It is the world No. 42’s 11th PSA Tour title but his first in 21 months following his triumph at the HKFC International in May 2016.
The win also showed that the Terengganuborn Nafiizwan is finally making progress after a tumultuous period towards the end of last year.
Then, Nafiizwan was affected by the death of his elder brother in December, which resulted in his withdrawal from the World Championships and several other PSA Tour tournaments. The win also could not have come at a better time for Nafiizwan with the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games next month in his mind.
“I put up a good performance today ... I did quite well to take the points during the crucial moments,” said Nafiizwan.
“It is a good win and it helps build my self confidence.
“It is definitely a relief to be back winning
It is a good win and it helps build my self confidence. Mohd Nafiizwan Adnan
titles after so long and I know I have the ability to win bigger tournaments.
“I certainly had a tough period last year and this title also shows that I am ready to carry on.
“I’m motivated now to help the team win medals at the Commonwealth and Asian Games.”
Besides the three-time national champion Nafiizwan, the other players in the men’s team are Ng Eain Yow, Ivan Yuen, Mohd Syafiq Kamal and Sanjay Singh Chal.
In the draw for the Commonwealth Games that was released yesterday, Nafiizwan is seeded 13th and has a first-round bye before meeting either Evan Williams of New Zealand or Jacob Kelly of Cayman Islands.
In the women’s draw, Malaysia will be counting on world No. 8 Nicol David who is seeded third.
The eight-time world champion has a first-round bye and meets either Colette Sultana of Malta or Samantha Hennings of Cayman Islands in the second round.