Books now aside, Ivan fully focused on squash

Ong Beng Hee [left] in action during against Ivan Yuen in TC Malaysian Nationals Squash Championship 2014 final at National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil. AZMAN GHANI / The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: With his studies done and dusted, national No. 2 Ivan Yuen can finally focus on his squash career.

The 25-year-old Selangor player took over five years to complete his varsity studies. He obtained a degree in business administration from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) two weeks ago.

And Ivan, who turned pro in 2007, is relieved to have finally got his degree.

“It took me five-and-half years to get the degree because I skipped two semesters to represent Malaysia in competitions,” said the world No. 64.

“I’m not going to look for a job as I want to fully focus on training and competing in as many PSA tournaments overseas as possible.
“I’m happy to have been training and sparring with coach Ong (Beng Hee) since last year. I believe he will help me improve every aspect of my game.”

Ivan, whose highest ranking was No. 56 in June 2012, has won just four titles since turning pro nine years ago. His first professional win came in the Indian Challenger tournament in Chennai in 2010.

Last year, he won two Malaysian Tour of Squash (SSJM) tournaments in Kangar and Penang. He also won the National Sports Council (NSC) Circuit in 2012.

Ivan is expected to feature in 12 PSA tournaments this year, and his first two assignments are the Inno Wood Open in Kriens, Switzerland, from March 15-19; and the Qatar Circuit No. 3 in Doha from March 19-23.

He will also feature in a few of the 12-leg Malaysian Tour of Squash.