No sleep no problem for Beng Hee

PETALING JAYA: A sleep-deprived national No. 1 Ong Beng Hee is ready to do his bit when Malaysia go into action at the Asian Team Championships, which begin on Wednesday in Hong Kong.

The 34-year-old Beng Hee, who lost to team-mate Ivan Yuen in the final of the sixth leg of the Malaysian Tour Squash Circuit (SSJM) last Sunday, has been having sleepness nights as his daughter, Janelle, was not feeling well.

The world No. 30 was forced to travel alone to Hong Kong on Monday as he had to take his daughter to the clinic. The other players – Ivan, Mohd Nafiizwan Adnan and Mohd Azlan Iskandar – had earlier left for the island.

“Janelle’s tummy was giving her problems, so I wasn’t sleeping well at all. It was a brutal time for me. It did not help that I also lost to Ivan but I’m ready now,” said Beng Hee.

“I think we have a pretty good chance of winning the title this time because we have a strong team.

“It’s the same team that won Asian Games silver medal four years ago. The only difference now is that the positions have changed with me at No. 1 while Azlan will be a strong back-up at No. 4.

“Ivan has also been playing really well. As long as we all do our bit, there shouldn’t any problems getting out of the group stages.

“I think Hong Kong and India are the favourites because they have Max (Lee) and Saurav (Ghosal) who have both improved a lot. Pakistan are the dark-horses because they have a great coach in Jamshed Gul and can pull a surprise,” added Beng Hee, who helped Malaysia win the title in 2008.

Malaysia are seeded third and are in Pool C with Japan, Iraq and Sri Lanka. They take on Sri Lanka on Wednesday before facing Japan and Iraq on Thursday.

In the women’s event, Malaysia will be represented by world No. 1 Nicol David, Low Wee Wern, Delia Arnold and youngster Vanessa Raj.

They are the top seeds and will face South Korea in Pool A on Wednesday.