Nafiizwan bags biggest title of career in Hong Kong

PETALING JAYA: Mohd Nafiizwan Adnan finally came good to win the US$25,000 (RM102,000) HKFC International squash championships.

National No.1 Nafiizwan outgunned New Zealand’s world No. 37 Paul Coll 11-6, 11-8, 11-8 in the final in Hong Kong yesterday.

The 24-year-old Coll, who survived a five-setter against Malaysian No. 2 Ivan Yuen in the semi-finals, started strongly and led 4-1.

But Nafiizwan quickly overturned the deficit to win the first set 11-6 before pushing on to take the second 11-8.

Coll was flinging himself all over the court in a desperate bid to stay in the hunt but Nafiizwan was not to be denied as he went on to win in 51 minutes.

It is Nafiizwan’s ninth career title and also his biggest ever title on the Professional Squash Association (PSA) Tour.

“What a relief to finally win a 25k tournament,” beamed the 30-year-old Terengganu lad. “It is my biggest ever title and what a way to finish off the season. I’m really happy to have pulled through.”

“It was a tough match to start with and I had to be focused from the start until the end.

“There were also a few hard and massive rallies but I managed to hold on and control the pace.”

In the women’s event, New Zealand’s world No. 9 Joelle King bagged the title after beating India’s world No. 13 Joshna Chinappa 11-9, 11-9, 9-11, 11-9.

“It was really tough because Joshna kept coming at me even though she was two nil down,” said King.

“But I’m glad that I managed to finish it off in four and I’m happy to win as there’s always pressure as the top seed.”