PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s route to the Asian Team squash championships semi-finals is clear as they have received favourable draw in the tournament that begins in Cheongjun, South Korea, today.
The Malaysian men, the second seeds, are in Group B with Hong Kong, Japan, Iran, the Philippines and Singapore.
Top seeds India are in a tricky situation as they are in Group A with rivals Pakistan and dangerous outsiders Qatar, Kuwait, South Korea and Taiwan.
Malaysia, comprising Ng Eain Yow, Addeen Idrakie, Syafiq Kamal and Ong Sai Hung, should secure their semi-final spot with Hong Kong the only team capable of upstaging them.
Malaysia are the defending champions in both the men’s and women’s categories.
The top-seeded Malaysia women should have no problem securing their last-four berth from Group A which also comprises Japan, Taiwan and South Korea while main rivals India are in Group B with Hong Kong, Iran and Singapore.
National head coach Ajaz Azmat said Malaysia are in a good position to reach the semis with the women good enough to make the final despite the absence of top player S. Sivasangari.
“We are aiming for the final in the women’s event and a top-four finish for the men. The players are quite well prepared and they are capable of producing surprises,” said Ajaz.
The women’s team of Aifa Azman, Rachel Arnold, Chan Yiwen and Yee Xinying begin their campaign today with a match against hosts South Korea while the men will play the Philippines and Iran.
