Joachim doing what he loves and continues fine form

KUALA LUMPUR: When Joachim Chuah left the swimming pool to take up squash, it was for fun, but now it has become a passion for him.

He picked up the squash racquet at the age of nine and has never turned back.

“I always swim at my father’s club. After my swimming lesson, my father usually continues to play squash, so I followed him and I haven’t stopped since,” said Joachim.

“Swimming was just for fun but squash is more than that. I really enjoy it because I can travel around the world, experience new things and meet new friends.”

“I like the challenge that comes with every tournament I compete.”

The 14- year- old from Kuala Lumpur is now on course for his second REDtone Kuala Lumpur Junior Open title in the Under-15 category at the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil.

Joachim defeated Melaka’s Hashim Fayyad Wajdi 12-10, 11-7, 13-11 in the quarter-finals yesterday to set up a meeting against Negri Sembilan’s Ameeshanraj Chandran for a place in the final.

“I did not start well and played pretty bad but I managed to get back my rhythm by trying to be more patient. I played longer rallies and made fewer mistakes,” said the last year’s runner-up.

He bagged the Under-11 title in 2014 and is now in fine form having won the Under-15 title at the Sportexce l - Mi l o - NSC Junior Squash Circuit in October.

He believes he can win another title.

“I’m still feeling confident from my previous title. I have been working on few areas in my game including my strength and conditioning, so I feel good.”