Addeen stands good chance to book ticket for world meet

KUALA LUMPUR: Addeen Idrakie has raised his hope of securing a ticket for the World Championships by setting up an exciting all-malaysia clash against Darren Rahul in the quarter-finals of the Asian Qualifiers at the Jalan Duta courts yesterday.

The second seed Addeen breezed past Leong Chung of Hong Kong 11-3, 11-8, 11-2 win in 28 minutes. Addeen, 30, has won all four of his previous meetings against Darren with the last victory coming at the North Coast Open semi-finals in Australia last year.

Darren, ranked No. 127, also had a good start beating Ammar Altamimi of Kuwait 11-9, 7-11, 11-2, 11-1 in 37 minutes.

World No. 66 Addeen, who went on to win the North Coast Open, is hopeful of making his maiden appearance at the world meet in Cairo from May 9-18.

The men’s and women’s champions this week will gain a ticket to play in Cairo.

“I’m really excited to play in the qualifiers because I’ve never played in the World Champion– ships, Hopefully, I can achieve that,” said Addeen.

“Today’s game is quite straight forward but tomorrow is going to be my real match and I hope to maintain my performance.

“It is not easy to play in this court as it is quite hot but it is good for the Malaysians as many of them produced good results.

“Darren is playing well, he trains in Bristol and has scored some upsets in Europe. So, I must watch out for him.”

Said Darren: “Addeen is playing some of his best squash right now and if you can beat him, it is proof that you are also playing well,” said Darren. “The match will also help gauge my current level.”

The Malaysian players had a good run as Syafiq Kamal, Ong Sai Hung and Bryan Lim also advanced to the quarter-finals.

In the women’s event, Chan Yiwen advanced to the last eight with a 11-6, 3-11, 11-1, 11-5 win over Akari Midorikawa of Japan to set up a meeting against Ching Hei Fung of Hong Kong today.

Also through to the last eight are K. Sehveetrraa and Yu Jie but national junior Goh Zhi Xuan and U. Thanusaa and gave a good account of themselves before going down yesterday.