Azlan looks to Malaysia's future from the Malay Mail, 21-Jul-05
Malaysia is rightly proud of its Squash Queen, Nicol David, and with Azlan Iskandar and Ong Beng Hee has a trio who can be at the top of the world rankings for years to come. Azlan talked to the Malay Mail ...
While not representing his country himself at the World Games in Duisburg, Azlan Iskandar was nevertheless proud of Nicol David's win at the World Games  in Duisburg. "Malaysians should be proud of her achievement," he told the Malay Mail. "Athletes, in particular, should look up to her as a role model and strive harder in our quest to win more gold medals," said Azlan, who turned 23 on June 1. Malaysia’s other representative Ong Beng Hee, the National No 1, however lost 8-10, 9-2, 1-9, 4-9 in the quarter-finals to Briton’s World No 6 James Willstrop. But Azlan strongly believes Beng Hee is serious about rediscovering his previous form. Beng Hee’s best was a World No 7 two years ago but his form took a dip after switching techniques and training in London. Azlan is slowly inching his way to dislodge the 25-year-old Beng Hee as the national numero uno but that rivalry is for the better interest of the two. "We may be rivals on court but we are best of pals where the national interest is concerned. Such rivalry will ensure Malaysia have two strong players on the international circuit. We hope to be among the world’s top 10," said Azlan, who is of mixed parentage (his father is Malay and mother Scottish) from Kuching. Beng Hee is World No 16 while Azlan is one rung lower in the latest ranking list. The duo will compete in the Pakistan Open in Karachi, beginning tomorrow. Beng Hee and Azlan are seeded No 10 and No 13 respectively and will only begin their campaign on Sunday, when the championship proper starts. Azlan reckons Beng Hee is training hard on his fitness and endurance and should spring a surprise in Karachi. Like his national buddy, Azlan is not sitting on his laurels either. Since returning from Islamabad where he was beaten by Shahid Zaman in the CAS tournament three weeks ago, Azlan has been working hard with National Sports Council physical trainer Sean Sturgess, particularly on footwork and fitness. Besides, he has been sparring with England’s Bradley Ball and Adrian Grant (World No 18) for the past two weeks and Anthony Ricketts (World No 7 from Australia) for the past five days at the National Squash Courts in Bukit Jalil. With his intensive preparation and desire to excel, Azlan can look forward to a better performance in his third attempt. In the last two years, he faltered at the qualifying stage.   Malay Mail