Eain Yow comfortable with key role as second singles
PETALING JAYA: National No. 2 Ng Eain Yow is relishing the challenge of playing a key role as Malaysia’s second singles in the squash team event at the Asian Games in Jakarta.
Although it’s only his debut, the 20-year-old is set to be handed a daunting task of playing in the crucial second match.
Eain Yow could potentially seal a victory for Malaysia should they be leading 1-0, while he could also help to stage a fightback if they are trailing by a similar scoreline.
It’s a heavy responsibility that the former world junior champion is well aware of.
“The second singles is always tough but I’ve had experience playing for Malaysia as the No. 2 for last year’s World Team Championships (in France), so it won’t be something new to me,” said the world No. 44.
“This is my first Asian Games, it’s massive for me. I’m ready for the challenge and I’d like to make it count.”
Eain Yow will have an extra motivation to do better as he hopes to make amends after losing the individual berth to teammate Ivan Yuen.
Eain Yow lost to Ivan in the semis as the latter went on to win the National Championships last month to join national No. 1 Nafiizwan Adnan in the individual competition at the Asiad. The fourth member in the squad is Muhd Syafiq Kamal.
“Well it is disappointing for me personally but then all credit to Ivan, he’s been playing really well lately and he fully deserves it,” said Eain Yow.
“It’ll still be a big event even though I won’t be involved in the individual event.
“Right now I’m 100% focused on helping the team and performing the best I can.”
Malaysia could only manage silver in the team event since it was introduced at the 2010 Guangzhou Games.
Malaysia lost to Pakistan in the 2010 final and settled for runners-up again, this time to India four years later in Incheon.
Hong Kong, who boast the strongest three-man line-up of Max Lee, Leo Au and Yip Tsz Fung – all ranked in the world top 25 – will be the favourites for the team event in Jakarta.
But Eain Yow believes Malaysia, who are expected to be second seeded can turn the tables on Max and Co.
“I believe that our team morale is very good at the moment and we’ll be going in prepared and play our hearts out,” he said. “It will be tough for sure but we have what it takes to win it.”
The squash competitions will be held at the Gelora Bung Karno Hall D starting with the individual events from Aug 23-26, followed by the team event from Aug 27-Sept 1.
Malaysia are the most successful nation with nine golds, five silvers and seven bronzes since squash made the Asiad programme in Bangkok in 1998.