Popular KL Junior Open also falls victim

IT is not just major senior squash tournaments that are getting called off due to Covid-19, the KL Junior Open has joined the casualties too.

The KL meet, billed as the biggest junior squash event in Asia, is also unable to cope with the logistical challenge caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Squash Racquets Association of Federal Territories (SRAFT) have decided to pull the plug on the Platinum-level competition that was supposed to be held from Nov 30-Dec 6.

SRAFT’s decision came after the Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia’s move to call off the Women’s World Team Championships and Asian Team Championships.

It is certainly disappointing for SRAFT as last year’s KL Juniors saw a record total of 860 participants, and has been a mainstay on the junior calendar since its inception in 2007.

“The main reason we called off the KL Junior meet was because of the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) being extended to Dec 31,” said SRAFT president Steven Kwan.

“With the RMCO extended and the border restrictions not fully open, it becomes a bit pointless to send out invitations to other countries.

“It will be hard to stay in line with the social distancing guidelines, and at the end of the day, the priority for us is the safety of everyone involved.

“Of course, this news is very disappointing for a lot of junior players but we’re following in the lead of our parent association, SRAM, and not taking unnecessary risks.

“As far as next year is concerned, our main partner, Redtone, have indicated they are still willing to work with us, so next year’s tournament should be back on the calendar as usual.”

Steven, however, added that SRAFT will organise an in-house tournament for their junior players, from Under-9 to Under-19, to make up for the loss of the KL Junior meet.

“We have set the dates for Oct 17-18 and it’s not really a big event but more like a tournament to keep our juniors on their toes.”