Magical Malaysians warm-up in style ahead of British Junior Open
By MICHAEL CATLING – Squash Mad Reporter
The Malaysian juniors sent an ominous message ahead of the British Junior Open, as they secured all eight titles at the Pontefract Junior Open on Monday.
With the inspirational words of Nicol David still ringing in their ears, British Junior Open Under-15 champion Ng Eain Yow led the juniors to a stunning clean sweep in the final warm-up event before the British Junior Open begins in Sheffield.
The Malaysian quartet of Ong Sai Hung (U15 Boys), Aifa Azman (U15 Girls), Mohammed Hafiz (U13 Boys) and Jessica Kheng (U13 Girls) romped to success in the younger age categories, before their older compatriots followed suit in the second finals day.
In an all-Malaysian final, S.Sivasangari stunned teammate Nazihah Hanis Abdul Razak in the U19 Girls final, while the duo of Eain Yow and Andrea Lea cruised to victory in their respective U17 categories.
In the final match of the event, Syafiq Kamal defeated highly-rated English youngster Jack Cooper in five tight games to upset the seedings and round off 2013 in style.
“It was a great way to end the year,” said the beaming Malaysian national coach Andrew Cross.
“We’ve already had one British Junior champion and runner-up this year, followed by five Asian Junior titles, the Asian Youth Games success and now a complete sweep here.
“Now we hope the kids will be able to carry on their form into the British Juniors. It will be a lot tougher, but so far they are all hitting their marks.”
Final – Boy’s Results:
U19: Syafiq Kamal 3-2 Jack Cooper 7-11, 11-2, 12-10, 9-11, 11-9
U17: Ng Eain Yow 3-0 Farez Izwan Mukhtar 11-4, 11-5, 11-3
U15: Ong Sai Hung 3-0 Elliot Ridge (Eng) 11-2, 11-7, 11-6
U13: Hafiz Zhafri 3-1 Sam Todd (Eng) 11-6, 11-8, 7-11, 11-3
Final – Girl’s Results:
U19: S.Sivasangari 3-2 Nazihah Hanis Abdul Razak 11-8, 8-11, 8-11, 11-8, 11-9
U17: Andrea Lea 3-0 Amber Peacey (Eng) 11-4, 11-5, 11-5
U15: Aifa Azman 3-0 Karina Tyma (Eng) 11-6, 11-5, 11-9
U13: Jessica Kheng 3-0 Amirah Rusyidah Rosli 11-6, 11-8, 13-11