Hot hand Yow to lead World Juniors challenge

PETALING JAYA: In-form Ng Eain Yow has been given the responsibility of leading the Malaysian boys’ team to the World Junior Squash Championship in Windhoek, Namibia, from Aug 10-21.

The Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) have set a top-four target for the four-member team. The other players are Mohd Syafiq Kamal, Darren Chan and Mohd Farez Izwan. 

Except for Sabah-born Farez, the other three helped Malaysia win the team gold at last year’s Asian Youth Games.

This is the first time in a while that Malaysia are sending a boys’ team to the biennial championship. Malaysia’s last appearance in the championships was in Zurich, Switzerland, in 2008. Then, Malaysia finished sixth out of 31 teams.

Malaysia’s best showing was in 2006 in New Zealand with Ivan Yuen, Mohd Asyraf Azan and Elvinn Keo securing a third-place finish.

For 16-year-old Eain Yow, his confidence has been boosted by winning his third straight title at the Asian Junior Championships in Iran last month. He retained the Under-17 title by beating Jordanian Mohammad Alsarraj 11-5, 11-3, 11-5 in the final.

“I didn’t start my title defence really well, but my form picked up as the tournament progressed,” said Eain Yow.

“Now I have two Under-17 titles to add to the Under-15 crown I won in 2012. I want to win more titles before I end my junior career.

“My target now is to help Malaysia finish as high as possible in the world juniors. I’m looking forward to it with renewed confidence,” added Eain Yow.

It will, however, not be easy for Malaysia.

Egypt are the favourites to retain the title. The other strong contenders are nine-time champions England, five-time champions Pakistan, India and Hong Kong.