KUALA LUMPUR: Veteran Ong Beng Hee is optimistic of Malaysia’s chances in the Asian Games despite falling short in the men’s final of last week’s Asian Team Championships.
Malaysia, who last won the Asian Team Championships in 2008, made a superb run to the final in Hong Kong only to lose 2-1 to Pakistan.
Both Beng Hee and third-ranked Ivan Yuen lost their matches.
For 34-year-old Beng Hee, the focus will now be on the bigger prize – the Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, from Sept 19-Oct 4.
“We exceeded the expectations by reaching the final in Hong Kong,” said Beng Hee.
“But maybe it’s better this way. There will be less pressure on us and we can now properly focus on winning the Asiad team gold.
“It’s been a while since we made the final of the Asian Team Championships, which should give us a better seeding in the Asiad.
“(And) as long as everyone stays fit and healthy, we’re in with a chance for the gold.”
The world No. 30 is also looking forward to grabbing a medal in the men’s doubles in next month’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The Penangite, who won a silver in 2002 and a bronze in the 2010 Games with women’s world No.1 Nicol David in the mixed doubles, will partner Ivan Yuen.
In the on-going Tri Nation Squash Doubles event at the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil, Beng Hee partnered Elvinn Keo to finish fourth. Ivan was unavailable due to his university examinations.
New Zealand’s Campbell Grayson-Martin Knight finished first followed by compatriots Paul Coll-Lance Beddoes. India’s Saurav Ghosal-Harinderpal Sandhu were third.
The women’s final will be held on Thursday.
Limited time offer:
Just RM5 per month.
