Jessica stays proactive after plan to turn pro disrupted
Youngster Jessica Keng Jia Hui thought she had the best-laid plans.
Little did she know that the Covid-19 pandemic would put an end to her dream of turning pro this year.
The 17-year-old squash player, who bagged the Under-17 gold in the National Junior Championships last year, said she planned to turn pro after obtaining her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia results in March.
“I also planned to take a two-year study break to focus on squash. But all that came to nought due to the virus outbreak.
“The Professional Squash Association (PSA) have suspended all activities, so I can’t turn pro this year,” said Jessica.
“I’m not sure whether there will be any competitions played this year although the outlook is currently bleak.
“I will definitely turn pro next year and will stick to my plans to take a break from studies,” added the Sabahan, who finished third in the Under-19 in the National Junior Championships in February.
Jessica said she is putting aside her books as she wants to become one of the top women players in the country in two years’ time.
“I also want to represent Malaysia in the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games in 2022,” said Jessica, who bagged the team gold in the Asia Junior Championships in Pattaya last year.
Jessica said she has started training in Kota Kinabalu since last month in preparation for the Johor Sukma in March next year.
“This will be my third Sukma and I’ll be competing in the doubles and team event.”