Former world No.10 Azlan back for Malaysian Open

Former world No.10 Mohd Azlan Iskandar in a filepic during a coaching clinic since his retirement in 2012. Azlan will return to compete in the CIMB Malaysian Open from Aug 18-23.

PETALING JAYA: Two years ago former world No.10 Mohd Azlan Iskandar played his last Professional Squash Association (PSA) match in the KL Open after losing to Mohd Nafiizwan Adnan in the first round.

Azlan, who was then bugged by an hamstring injury, subsequently retired from the professional circuit in September that year.

Now, after making a comeback earlier this year, Azlan is ready for another shot when he competes in the CIMB Malaysian Open from Aug 18-23.

The main reason the 32-year-old Sarawakian is giving it another go is to get himself prepared for the Incheon Asian Games from Sept 19-Oct 4 in which he will play a key role alongside national No.1 Ong Beng Hee, Nafiizwan and Ivan Yuen.

“Apart from the Malaysian Open, I’ll also be competing in the seventh leg of the Malaysian Tour Squash Circuit (SSJM) in Perlis (Aug 27-30) and these two tournaments will bring me back to speed for the Asiad.

“It’s also quite different now coming back to the PSA Tour. Last time I’ll be looking to win the tournament ... but now I just want to feel what’s it like once more, to play tough matches.

“Ultimately though, I feel quite calm despite making a comeback. I’m about 60 to 70% back to my former condition and maybe when the tournament starts it’ll feel different for me again,” added Azlan.

The three-time winner – in 2004, 2007 and 2010 – will play in the qualifiers as he does not have a PSA ranking.
 
Three others – Valentino Bon Jovi Bong, Mohd Addeen Idrakie and Mohd Hannan Tarmidi will also need to qualify.

The Malaysians in the main draw are Beng Hee, Nafiizwan and Ivan, who received the wildcard.

In the women’s event, 12 of the world’s top 16 players, including world No.1 Nicol David and world No. 7 Low Wee Wern have confirmed their participation.