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  Malaysian
National Championships
14-17 July 2010, Bukit Jalil |
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17-Jul, Finals:
NICOL AND AZLAN CROWNED
MALAYSIAN NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
Datuk Nicol Ann David and Azlan Iskandar were
crowned champions in the Women’s Premier and Men’s Premier
categories of the TC Malaysian Nationals Squash
Championships 2010 at the National Squash Centre Nicol David
Arena in Bukit Jalil today.
Nicol beat rising star Low Wee Wern 11-6, 11-7, 11-8
while Azlan won after Ong Beng Hee pulled out of the
tie following injury in the first game.
Playing for the first time in her self titled arena, Nicol
broke little sweat as she finished the match off in 34
minutes.
“I’ve a couple of months to prepare for the upcoming squash
season so it’s fantastic to kick things of with the National
title ahead of the Malaysian Open next week,” said the
26-year-old Penangite who has dominated the number spot in
women’s squash for more than four years .
Nicol also paid tribute to her opponent and said the TCMNSC
tournament was a great addition to the calendar for local
squash players.
“Wee Wern is a rising star for Malaysia so it was great to
play her in the final. This tournament is really something
that the juniors can aspire to win,” she added.
There was disappointment for Malaysian number two Beng Hee
in the final of the Men’s Premier category when he had to
pull out with a back injury after 20 minutes.
Tournament champion and top seed Iskandar had taken a 5-1
lead but Beng Hee quickly got back into the game to make it
5-5. Unfortunately a mistimed lunge led to him hurting his
back and he lost the first game 11-6.
After some consultation with on site medics, Beng Hee pulled
out of the tie, handing Azlan the title.
“It’s disappointing to win this way. I was really looking
forward to a good game with Beng Hee in today’s final. It
would have been the perfect preparation for the Malaysian
Open next week,” said the 28-year-old Sarawakian.
However, the Malaysian number one backed his team mate’s
decision to retire.
“It’s the worst thing that could happen but I think it’s
nothing too serious. If he had continued playing, he could
have aggravated the injury. Hopefully he’ll be fine in a few
days. I wish him a speedy recovery,” said the world number
18.
Beng Hee, too, shared his disappointment.
“I definitely felt a spasm in the left of my back, which is
very disappointing and a bit unlucky. But it’s probably
better that it happened today rather than next week. I still
have a few days to recover,” said the runner-up, who’ll kick
off his Malaysian Open campaign on Wednesday in the main
draw.
In the Men’s Division 2, former Malaysian number one Kenneth
Low proved he’s still a champion as he beat 26-year-old Mohd.
Shahril bin Shahidan 11-7, 8-11, 14-16, 11-9, 11-6 in a
feisty and sometimes bad tempered final.
Kenneth, who quit coaching for the Squash Racquets
Association of Malaysia (SRAM) earlier this year, had not
even picked up a squash racquet in six months but was
invited to participate in the tournament.
“It’s great to have the tournament back again and even
bigger than before and it’s great to win. It’s my first time
playing competitively in quite a while,” said the
34-year-old Kuala Lumpur born who now works as a building
executive.
In the Men’s Veteran category, 53-year-old National Roving
Coach Raymond Arnold took top honours, defeating UK based
Foo Chee Kong 11-9, 11-0, 5-11, 11-8.
The slightly younger Foo, who was only seeded seventh and
had overcome some higher ranked opponents en route, seemed
to be mounting a comeback in the third game but was
eventually outclassed by Arnold.
“He’s about 5 years younger than me so he’s probably a
little bit fitter, but eventually my experience paid off,”
said a pleased Raymond, who suffered slightly from a stiff
back in the closing stages.
The national coach also expressed his confidence in the up
and coming breed of squash players.
“We have a lot of prospects, especially with the younger
players such as in the Under-11 category. With greater
exposure on the world stage, we can look forward to more
stars like Nicol, Beng Hee and Azlan,” he added.
The Men’s Division 3 final pitted the experience of
36-year-old Khoo Teng Hin against the youthful exuberance of
fast improving Amir Farhan, with the youngster coming out
tops 11-6, 7-11, 11-4, 11-9 to win his first ever national
competition.
“It was a tough game but I just kept on trying and stuck to
my game plan. I’m really happy to have won,” said the
exuberant 16-year-old student of Bukit Jalil Sports School.
Amir of Kuala Lumpur was the top seed in the category, which
is a fantastic reflection of the 16-year-old’s reputation as
a growing star.
“Hopefully in 5 years I can turn pro and eventually become
the Malaysian number one men’s squash player,” said the
ambitious teen, and after his performance today, very few
would doubt his words.
Stuart Ramalingam, CEO of Sports Intelligence, co-sponsors
and organisers of the event is already looking forward to
next year’s edition.
“It’s an honour for us to be partly responsible for bringing
back this prestigious event. We really could not have done
it without our sponsors and it’s pleasing that we’re already
getting calls about sponsoring next year’s challenge,” he
said.
National Men’s Coach Alan Soyza echoed his sentiments, and
provided words of encouragement for the future of squash in
Malaysia.
“Our young players have great potential. And with our
systematic and effective approach to training, I believe in
2-3 years we’ll have a new breed of starts to match the
likes of Beng Hee, Nicol and Azlan,” he said.
The tournament is set to be an annual event for the coming
years.
PREMIER MEN (FINALS)
Azlan Iskandar bt Ong Beng Hee 11-6, (rtd)
3rd & 4th Placing
Ivan Yuen Chee Wern bt Md. Nafiizwan bin Md. Adnan (70 min)
10-12, 11-9, 6-11, 11-6, 11-8
PREMIER WOMEN (FINALS)
Datuk Nicol David bt Low Wee Wern (34 min) 11-6, 11-7,
11-8
3rd & 4th Placing
Siti Munirah Jusoh bt Sharon Wee (26 min) 11-7, 5-11, 11-7,
11-8 |
16-Jul, Semis:
STARS IN FINAL: BENG HEE V AZLAN, NICOL V WEE WERN
All the big names in Malaysian squash are set to descend upon in the Nicol
David Arena tomorrow for the much anticipated final day of
the TC Malaysian Nationals Squash Championships here at the
National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil.
Playing competitively for the first time in her eponymous
arena, Malaysian squash icon Datuk Nicol Ann David
did not disappoint as she quickly disposed of her younger
opponent and fourth seed Siti Munirah Jusoh in straight
sets, winning the semi-final 11-7, 11-8, 11-3.
Although Nicol is the world number one, she has yet to win
this prestigious national title, as this is the first time
it is held after a 13-year lapse.
“Siti has really improved a lot! It’s great to play on this
court and it’s great to be in the finals,” said the pleased
Penangite, who will meet her fellow stateswoman Low Wee Wern
in the final.
“She’s from Penang like me, so I’m very proud of her. She’s
also very good so I’ll have to play my shots well and have a
good game plan,” added the 26-year-old who is currently
world number one women’s player.
Low Wee Wern booked her date with Nicol after coming
from a set beating defending champion of the National Closed
Championships, Sharon Wee 7-11, 11-3, 11-9, 11-5 in the
other semi-final match.
“It was a close game. Sharon played very well but my victory
in the third match was crucial,” said Wee Wern, who beat
Sharon for the first time in competition earlier this year
in the Chennai Open.
Wee Wern, ranked 26th in the world and climbing, has met
Nicol competitively just two times before, and was very
excited at the prospect of challenging the world number one
for the title.
“Nicol is more used to playing in the glass court, so she
may have an advantage but it’s a very big game for me and I
really want to do my best,” said Wee Wern.
In the men’s action, second seed Ong Beng Hee
overcame a resilient Nafiizwan Adnan 11-8, 11-9, 7-11, 11-6
in the first match of the day to book his spot in the final.
“It was a closely fought game. He’s young, hungry and has
improved a lot over the last few months. In the end I think
my experience paid off,” said Beng Hee.
Thirty-year-old Beng Hee led 9-0 in the fourth game but
allowed the 24-year-old Nafiizwan to claw back to 9-5,
before eventually closing out the game.
“I relaxed a bit when I had a big lead, which I shouldn’t
have done. But I believe many of our youngsters are very
good. If they work hard and push each other to the next
level, we’ll have a very strong Malaysian squad,” added Beng
Hee, who is ranked 19th in the world.
In the other men’s semifinal, Malaysian number one Azlan
Iskandar came from a set down to defeat last year’s
Asian Junior champ Ivan Yuen 9-11, 11-4, 11-6, 11-3.
“I’m a little disappointed with my slow start but every day
is still a learning process, even for me,” said the
28-year-old Sarawakian.
“He’s my roommate, travel mate and team mate for so many
years now. We know each other’s game inside out, so may the
best man win!” added Azlan.
All category finals will be held in the Nicol David Arena
glass court tomorrow from 1pm – 6pm. The finals of the Men’s
Premier and Women’s Premier will take place at 4pm and 5pm
respectively and will be aired live on Astro Arena Ch 801.
PREMIER MEN (SEMIFINALS)
Ong Beng Hee bt Nafiizwan bin Adnan (63 min) 11-8, 11-9,
7-11, 11-6
Azlan Iskandar bt Ivan Yuen Chee Wern (49 min) 9-11, 11-4,
11-6, 11-3
PREMIER WOMEN (SEMIFINALS)
Datuk Nicol David bt Siti Munirah Jusoh (25 min) 11-7, 11-8,
11-3
Low Wee Wern bt Sharon Wee (40 min) 7-11, 11-3, 11-9, 11-5 |
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15-Jul, Quarters:
SEMIFINALS SHOWDOWN FOR
MALAYSIA'S TOP SQUASH PLAYERS
The action heated up today at the quarterfinals of the
ongoing TC Malaysian Nationals Squash Championships held at
the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil as the top seeds
in both the Men’s and Women’s Premier categories advanced to
stake their claim as the nation’s best.
World number one and top seed Datuk Nicol David
overcame a difficult second set to beat a determined Tan Yan
Xin 11-6, 12-10, 11-4.
“I really enjoyed the game. She (Yan Xin) had a very good
second set. She’s young and talented and has a great short
game. If she keeps working hard, she can go far,” said
Nicol, who, like her opponent, was a junior quarter finalist
the last time the National Closed Championships were held in
1997.
The now 26-year-old Nicol will meet Malaysian number five
Siti Munirah Jusoh in tomorrow’s semifinal, after the
latter disposed of Pushppa Devi in straight sets, winning
11-8, 11-6, 11-5.
“I have never played competitively with Siti before so I
definitely looking forward to it," said Nicol who hails from
Penang.
In other Women’s Premier action, third seed and defending
champion Sharon Wee defeated Zulhijah Azan 11-8,
11-4, 11-6 to set up a date with 19-year-old Low Wee Wern,
who breezed past Nessrine Arrifin 11-3, 11-5, 11-4.
“It would be very interesting to progress to the final and
meet Nicol. I will have to work very hard and see what
happens,” said Sharon.
If Sharon and Nicol were to make the final, it would set up
an intriguing rematch of the quarterfinal 13 years ago, when
Nicol lost to eventual winner Sharon.
Top seeds in the Men’s Premier category Azlan Iskandar
and Ong Beng Hee received byes in the first round
and began their campaign today with easy victories over
their lesser ranked opponents.
World number 18 and men’s top seed Azlan, took no prisoners
as he demolished a tired Ng Jo Wen 11-2, 11-2, 11-2.
“It was a great first match for me. I’ve had a nice long
build up and I’m happy to be getting into the competition
mindframe ahead of the Malaysian Open next week,” said the
28-year-old Sarawak born.
Beng Hee had similar luck against 21-year-old Choog Kam Hing,
defeating his up and coming compatriot 11-3, 11-8, 11-8.
“I don’t think he (Kam Hing) was playing at 100% so it was
relatively comfortable for me. I’m feeling physically and
mentally very fit and looking forward to these next two
weeks,” said the 30-year-old Penangite.
In the day’s longest and most hotly contested match, Ivan
Yuen defeated Md. Asyraf Azan, winning in five sets
3-11, 11-8, 11-13, 11-7, 12-10.
Twenty-year-old Ivan, who will meet Azlan in the semifinals,
aggravated a knee scrape and also suffered from cramp during
the closing stages of the fiesty match, and was happy to
come away with the victory.
“He (Asyraf) played very well so I am a bit lucky to win. I
will try to get as much rest as I can and hope for the best
against Azlan tomorrow. You never know what could happen on
the day,” said Ivan, who came into the tournament as the
fifth seed.
Third seed Md. Nafizwan bin Md. Adnan overcame a one
set deficit to defeat Kamran Khan 4-11, 11-8, 13-11, 11-6.
Nafizwan will meet Ong Beng Hee in the semifinals.
Other quarterfinal matches in the Men’s Division 2 and
Division 3 categories were also played today. Former
Malaysian number one Kenneth Low made the semifinals in the
Men's Division 2 after beating Faris Daniel 117, 11-9, 7-11,
17-15. Low was the Men's Premier champion when the
tournament was last held in 1997.
TCMNSC Semifinals will be aired live Astro Arena (Channel
801) on Friday and Saturday (July 16 & 17) starting at 4pm
and 1pm respectively.
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14-Jul:
Top seeds storm through in KL
As predicted, the nation’s top squash players showed their
authority to ease into the quarter finals tomorrow in the
ongoing TC Malaysian Nationals Squash Championships at the
National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil.
 Women's
top seed Datuk Nicol Ann David cruised through in the
women's Premier category as she beat last minute entry Iiya
Kareena Ibrahim 11-3, 11-5, 11-7, with the latter putting up
a strong performance in her first time playing the world
number one.
“Once she got into her rhythm she played some very good
shots and put up a very good performance," said Nicol of her
13-year-old opponent.
Nicol will next play Tan Yan Xin, who beat Yong Sue
Ann 11-6, 11-2, 11-5.
Sharon Wee, third seed and defending champion of the
event formerly known as the National Closed Championships
that were last held 13 years ago, also advanced, beating Teh
Min Jie 11-3, 11-6, 11-5 in the process.
“It’s good to have the tournament back again. A lot has
happened in the 13 years since I beat Nicol in the
quarterfinal, but as a top 4 seed, I will definitely aim to
make the semis and hopefully play in the final against
Nicol,” said Sharon.
Interestingly, Sharon's chances will be brighter as second
seed Delia Arnold pulled out of the competition due to a
back sprain.
 In
the Men’s Premier Category, third seed Md. Nafizwan bin
Md. Adnan eased past Ahmad Zamry Esahak 11-2, 11-4, 11-5
to set up a quarter final date with sixth seed Kamran
Khan, who received a walk-over when Md. Asfar Azan
withdrew from the competition with a fever.
Fourth seed Md. Asyraf Azan also progressed after
beating Marcus Yuen 11-3, 11-7, 11-4 and will meet his
opponent’s older brother Ivan Yuen in the quarters.
World No. 80 and former Asian Junior champion Ivan, who
turns 20 in September, has been steadily climbing up the
world rankings.
He moves into the next round after beating Md. Addeen
Idrakie 11-7, 11-4, 11-10 to advance and hopes to make it
all the way into the finals.
“It’s hard to say who will win. It really depends on how
well you play on the day and how many mistakes you make,”
said Ivan.
Top seeds in the Men’s Premier Category Mohd. Azlan
Iskandar and Ong Beng Hee were not in action
today and will kick off their campaign tomorrow with matches
against Ng Jo Wen and Chong Kam Hing
respectively.
Results
PREMIER MEN
Kamran Khan (w/o); Md. Nafiizwan bin Md. Adnan bt Ahmad
Zamry Esahak 11-2, 11-4, 11-5; Choong Kam Hing bt Md. Zul
Azri 7-11, 11-5, 11-3, 11-9; Ng Jo Wen bt Aaron Soyza 8-11,
11-7, 11-9, 9-11, 11-7; Md. Asyraf Azan bt Marcus Yuen 11-3,
11-7, 11-4; Ivan Yuen Chee Wern bt Md. Addeen Idrakie 11-7,
11-4, 12-10
PREMIER WOMEN
Dato’ Nicol David bt Iiya Kareena Ibrahim 11-3, 11-5,
11-7; Sharon Wee bt Teh Min Jie 11-3, 11-6, 11-5; Zulhijah
Azan bt Jadeleen Lee 11-5, 11-4, 11-4; Low Wee Wern bt
Nurdiana Laili 11-3, 11-2, 11-6; Nessrine Arrifin bt Rachel
Arnold 11-4, 11-5, 7-11, 11-6; Pushppa Devi bt Serene Chee
11-4, 11-3, 11-4; Tan Yan Xin bt Yong Sue Ann 11-6, 11-2,
11-5; Siti Munirah Jusoh bt Andrea Lee 11-2, 11-1, 11-3
MEN’S DIVISION II
Izzi Tarmidi bt Nicolas Quek 11-9, 11-6, 7-11, 11-1; Hannan
Tarmidi bt Leroy Leong 12-10, 11-6, 11-6; Faris Daniel bt
Mohd Hafifi Tarmidi 7-11, 7-11, 11-7, 11-8, 12-10; Kenny Foo
Kean Ghee bt Mark Low 11-7, 6-11, 11-8, 11-8
MEN’S DIVISION III
Ng Eain Wei bt Andrew Lee 11-6, 11-8, 11-5; Khoo Teng Hin bt
Edward Chan 11-6, 11-8, 11-7; Nishan Ravi Nekoo bt Edmund
Yap 11-1, 11-7, 11-8; Syafiq Kamal bt Aqif Ampandi 11-1,
11-3, 11-6; Amir Farhan bt Vincent Tan 11-5, 11-5, 11-8;
Chan Sum Kin (w/o); Jaafar Sadiq bt Md. Zulkefli Surif 11-6,
12-10, 8-11, 11-4; Mugilan Moorthi bt Anont Watanasin 13-11,
12-10, 11-6 |
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