Friday, March 29, 2024

Azlan launches Malaysian circuit

Azlan Iskandar in action against Karim Darwish

From The New Straits Times

NATIONAL players will no longer be able to use lack of competitions as an excuse for stagnant performances when the inaugural Malaysian Tour Squash Circuit begins next month.

Backed by the Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia, the nine-leg circuit is open to all Malaysians, whether professional or amateur, and Malaysia-based foreign players.

Former national player Azlan Iskandar is the brains behind the circuit, which will culminate with the Grand Finals in August at the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil.

Organised by Azlan’s event and athlete management company, Sportspin, in cooperation with the Sports Ministry, the circuit will be launched today in Putrajaya by Sports Minster Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek.

“The Malaysian Tour Squash Circuit aims to popularise the sport in different parts of Malaysia. Its goal is to also identify talent and groom world class players.

“In addition, the circuit will use under-utilised squash centres such as the Pahang Malaysia Games squash venue, to help the transition of junior players to senior level (allow players to) make a living from the sport as well as turn the sport into a career-path,” said Sportspin in a statement.

The first leg of the circuit will be held in Kemaman, Terengganu on Feb 15-17 before ending with the Grand Finals in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 23-25.

Meanwhile, national No 3 Delia Arnold’s first appearance of the season ended in disappointment after a 11-8, 11-1, 11-7 defeat to part-time American player Amanda Sobhy, the 2010 world junior champion, in the Tournament of Champions first round in New York on Monday.

Tour Calendar — 1st leg:Kemaman (Feb 15-17); 2nd leg: Seremban (Mar 1-3); 3rd leg: Kuantan (Mar 22-24); 4th leg: Kuala Terengganu (Apr 12-13); 5th leg: Kota Baru (Apr 19-21); 6th leg: Putrajaya (May 17-19); 7th leg: Malacca (June 14-16); 8th leg: Jalan Duta, KL (June 28-30); 9th leg: Johor Baru (July 5-7); Grand Finals: Bukit Jalil (Aug 23-25).
Read more:SQUASH: New circuit boost for players – Other – New Straits Timeshttp://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/squash-new-circuit-boost-for-players-1.206072#ixzz2IniHYUeS

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