DALIAN — The Malaysian squad concluded the Junior Squash Championships with a proud achievement, securing five gold medals in the final matches held at Xiqang Hall, Dalian in China today.
In the main category, Under-19 (U19) women, the tournament’s top pick, Aira Azman, fulfilled expectations by clinching her sixth championship title in this competition, defeating Sehveetrraa Kumar.
However, Aira’s victory was hard-fought, as she faced fierce opposition before making a comeback to win 9-11, 11-6, 11-8, 11-1.
“I am extremely pleased with my performance throughout this championship. Certainly, it was not easy for me as the defending champion.
“I faced a lot of pressure to retain this championship,” explained Aira.
Meanwhile, Joachim Chuah, competing in the boys’ U19 category, redeemed last year’s disappointment by overcoming his compatriot, Harith Danial Jefri, with a score of 11-9, 7-11, 10-13, 11-6, 13-11.
In the boys’ U17 category, Low Wa Sern successfully posed a tough challenge to defeat South Korean player Na Joo Young with a score of 11-6, 11-9, 5-11, 13-11.
This victory also avenged Wa Sern’s disappointment from the previous edition in Na Chom Thian, Thailand, where he lost to Joo Young in the final match.
Jayden Oon, competing in the boys’ U15 category, also showcased an excellent performance by defeating Japanese player Shunsaku Kariyazono with a score of 4-11, 11-4, 11-5, 11-5.
An all-Malaysian encounter in the girls’ U13 category saw Jinoreeka Ning Manivannan overcoming teammate Niea Chew after winning with a score of 11-6, 9-11, 11-6, 16-14.
Malaysia came close to securing a sixth gold medal in this championship, but the country’s player, Harleein Tan, competing in the girls’ U15 category, lost to the tournament’s top pick, Helen Tang.
“I am very, very satisfied with all the players, including those who were eliminated in previous rounds.
“Many foreign players have praised our players for playing with great spirit and not giving up easily.
“Even though they were on the brink of defeat, our players fought relentlessly until the very end. For me, the future of our national players is on the right track,” said national junior squash coach, Shahril Shahidan. — August 20, 2023