Watch out for Abdulla at the Asiad

KUALA LUMPUR: One should take note of Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi (pic) of Qatar as a main challenger at the Asian Games in Indonesia from Aug 18-Sept 2.

The determined player has put himself in contention for the men’s title in Asiad based on another stellar show en route to winning the Malaysian Open squash championship yesterday.

The 23-year-old fought hard in a five-setter to beat second seed Tsz Fung Yip of Hong Kong 5-11,12-10, 11-1, 7-11, 11-5 in the men’s final at the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil here yesterday.

It was his third five-setter victory in a row as he also had to dig deep to beat Joel Makin of Wales in the quarter-finals and Leo Au of Hong Kong in the semis.

“The quarter-final, semi-final and final matches have been gruelling and long, but I came prepared for long-hour matches. I was determined to win here,” said the third seeded Abdulla.

“I was quite nervous in the first set and I didn’t find the right way I should play, but I got my rhythm from the second set onwards. I kept the pace and it was good from there.”

It was the world No. 33’s biggest Professional Squash Association (PSA) title in his career.

He said the maiden title couldn’t come at a better time as he was preparing to make a mark in Asiad.

“It’s my first tournament since April and I’ve had a long off season where I’ve been training really hard for the last couple of months and I’m happy to win this tournament,” said Abdulla.

“I’m looking forward to the Asian Games next month. I’ll just enjoy playing and learning.”