PETALING JAYA: National squash player Joachim Chuah’s spirited comeback fell just short as he lost a thrilling five-game battle to Pakistan’s Mohd Asim Khan in the World Championship Qualifiers final in Hong Kong yesterday.
The 21-year-old, seeded eighth, pushed second seed Asim to the limit before going down 11-3, 13-11, 9-11, 3-11, 12-10 in an 81-minute contest at the Hong Kong Football Club.
Joachim was in search of his maiden World Championship appearance, scheduled to take place in Giza, Egypt, from May 8-16, which offers a US$700,000 prize pool (RM2.8mil).
During the match, Asim charged ahead by controlling the opening two games, but a slight injury to the Pakistani player’s hand in the third game allowed Joachim to close the gap.
Joachim made a dive to get the ball in the third game, but landed behind Asim, who tripped over the Malaysian and fell as well, leading to the minor injury.
But it allowed Joachim to launch a sensational comeback, forcing the match into the fifth game and even holding the match ball at one point.
But Asim’s determination to make his second world meet appearance came through as he looks to improve on his second-round exit at last year’s edition in Chicago.
With Malaysia not earning an additional ticket for Giza in May, national squash player and world No. 18 Ng Eain Yow will be the sole representative in the men’s category.
FINAL RESULTS
Men: Mohd Asim Khan (Pak) bt Joachim Chuah (Mas) 11-3, 13-11, 9-11, 3-11, 12-10.
Women: Toby Tse (Hkg) bt Heylie Fung (Hkg) 5-11, 11-6, 11-8, 9-11, 11-7.
