Sanjay finally seeing results after lifestyle change
KUALA LUMPUR: A change in attitude and lifestyle has certainly turned the corner for national squash player Sanjay Singh Chal.
The 23-year-old, who has been in a rut over the last two years following injuries and inconsistency, has been a revitalised player since coming under the guidance of Pakistani Ajaz Azmat last year.
And the world No. 133 showed how much he has progressed after storming into the final of the Malaysian Tour Squash Circuit (SSJM) No. 3.
The 2015 SEA Games gold medallist overcame Pakistan’s Asim Khan 13-15, 11-3, 11-4, 11-2 in the semi-finals at the NSC Squash Centre, Jalan Duta yesterday.
Sanjay takes on fellow left-hander and top seed Mohd Syafiq Kamal in his first Professional Squash Association (PSA) Tour final since 2015 and he is eager to nail his maiden title.
“Ajaz told me that Asim has won his two previous tournaments. He has been playing well but he’s a bit tired too,” said Sanjay.
“I managed to step up the pressure on him after dropping the first
set. It feels good to reach the final after a long time.
He was the runner-up in two SSJM meets in 2015.
“Training under Ajaz has made me believe in myself again. And I’ve also changed my attitude and lifestyle.
“My form has picked up since the SEA Games last year. It’ll be great if I can win my first title tomorrow.
Syafiq proved too strong for Hong Kong’s Lau Tsz Kwan as he won 11-5, 11-7, 11-9 in 32 minutes.
It was certainly a day for left-handers as second seed Andrea Lee overcame a slow start to power into the women’s final to set up a date against world No. 46 Tong Tsz Wing of Hong Kong.
“My shoulder is sore after the hard matches. I’m surprised to reach my second consecutive final. I’ll give Tsz Wing a good fight,” said Andrea, who was runner-up at the SSJM No. 2.