PETALING JAYA: National No. 2 Mohd Nafiizwan Adnan gave himself a perfect boost ahead of the National Championships from Aug 28-Sept 1 after a gritty performance to win the eighth leg of the Malaysian Tour Squash Circuit (SSJM) at the Hang Jebat Squash Stadium in Malacca on Sunday.
The 27-year-old Nafiizwan, who rose to a career high No. 30 in the world last month, was made to work hard by former national player Timothy Arnold before winning 11-7, 8-11, 6-11, 11-5, 12-10.
It was Nafiizwan’s second title on the Tour, having won the first leg in his hometown Kemaman, Terengganu, in February.
The win means Nafiizwan, whose only Professional Squash Association (PSA) title came at the Irish Open in April, is slowly coming into form ahead of the nationals and the CIMB Malaysian Open from Sept 10-15.
However, Nafiizwan, who got married on Aug 16, will have his work cut out as he seeks to win his first national title with the likes of veteran national No.1 Ong Beng Hee also in the fray.
Meanwhile in the women’s event, which is a Women’s Squash Association (WSA) Tour event, young Egyptian Salma Hany ended the week on a high by beating Hong Kong’s Tong Tsz Wing 11-8, 9-11, 11-5, 11-8. Earlier in the semi-finals, the 17-year-old stunned top seed Joey Chan of Hong Kong.
It was Salma’s third WSA title and her second in Malaysia, having also won the NSC Series No. 2 in April.
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