Nerves can be good tooasit helps Sanjay play calmly

JAYA: Being nervous sometimes has its plus points for Sanjay Jeeva as he booked his spot in the Bermuda Open final in Devonshire on Friday.

The world No. 76 Sanjay defeated Colombia’s Edgar Ramirez 11-7, 11-9, 11-9 in the semi-final to enter the final fixture today.

It’s the first final appearance of the year for the 24-year-old, who is currently residing in Connecticut and is under the coaching leadership of Rodney Martin.

Although he won in straight sets, Sanjay said he did feel the nerves during the match.

“My match with Ramirez started out well. I was a bit nervous but that actually helped me hit the ball through the court rather than being aggressive and smacking it.

“I did get a little impatient towards the end but I’m happy to have won it in three sets,” he said.

In the quarter-finals, Sanjay easily took the win against Christopher Gordon of the United States 11-2, 11-3, 11-9 in 31 minutes to enter the semis.

Second seed Sanjay will be hoping to get his first title of the year after ending his run in the semi-finals of the RC Pro Series after losing to England’s Jonah Bryant earlier this month.

He will play world No. 122 Andres Herrera of Colombia in the final, an opponent he has played and won against once.

“I have played Herrera before and won but that is what will make it more difficult mentally. He has also been playing very well throughout this tournament.”

On his way to the final, sixth seed Herrera upset top seed Spencer Lovejoy of the United States in the quarter-finals, followed by a win against fourth seed compatriot Matias Knudsen in the semi-finals.

“I’m hoping I can remain patient throughout the match and continue to play smart squash,” said Sanjay.

Sanjay previously met Herrera at the RC Pro Series quarter-finals earlier this month and won 11-6, 12-10, 11-7 against the Colombian.

He can make it a back-toback Malaysian win at the Bermuda Open following Ng Eain Yow’s victory at the tournament last year.