Nafiizwan getting back into the groove and into the quarters
KUALA LUMPUR: Top national player Muhd Nafiizwan Adnan is getting his confidence back after recovering from his left calf injury.
The Commonwealth Games bronze medallist had no problem defeating Ooi Jian Qi of Penang 11-4, 11-7, 11-6 to book a place in the quarter-finals of the men’s Premier Division title in the Ohana 34th National Squash Championships yesterday.
The top seed Nafiizwan will face Muhd Asyraf Azan of Kuala Lumpur for a place in the semi-finals.
The Terengganu lad said that he does not feel any problem moving on the court since he recovered from his injury.
“However, it was mentally tough to beat Ooi as I have never played him before. Every single match in the national championships is going to be tough,” said the former Asian champion.
Asked about his chances against the younger Asyraf, Nafiizwan saidhe expects a tough encounter against the hardworking Asyraf.
“I am using the national championships as part of my preparation
for the Asian Games," said Nafiizwan.
Defending champion Ivan Yuen also booked his place in the last eight with an easy 11-7, 11-6, 11-4 win over Ng Jo Wern of Selangor.
Ivan, the joint third-fourth seed, will face 2015 Singapore SEA Games gold medallist Sanjay Singh Chal of Sarawak in the quarter-finals.
Sanjay faced a strong challenge from Ryan Pasqual of Penang before prevailing 11-7, 11-3, 6-11, 11-7.
Second seed Ng Eain Yow had no problem beating Kedah's Muhd Hafiz Zhafri 11-4, 11-7, 11-5 to set up a date with Darren Rahul of Negri Sembilan in the quarter-finals.
In the women's competition, ninth seed Chan Yiwen of Federal Territory upset joint fifth-eighth seed Aika Azman of Kedah 11-4, 11-7, 15-13 to face top seed S. Sivasangari in the quarter-finals.