Marcus quits national team, Aika likely to follow

PETALING JAYA: It looks like it’s not just the coaches who are quitting the Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM).

The national body have already lost one budding young talent Marcus Sim to studies, with another – Aika Azman – also likely to quit the national team.

Sarawakian Marcus, who tendered his resignation letter last month, will head to New York in August to take up a business course at the University of Rochester.

“I’ve decided to continue with my studies because I’m struggling to get results,” said the 20-year-old Marcus, whose best achievement was winning the Commonwealth Youth Games doubles gold medal with Mohd Farez Izwan in 2015.

“I’ve received a better opportunity to study and continue playing college squash with University of Rochester.

“I want to thank SRAM for the opportunities they’ve given me over the years.”

Marcus is the third player to quit the national team to further their studies in the US.

Last year, 2013 Asian Youth Games gold medallist Vanessa Raj left for the Trinity College in Connecticut. World No. 64 Teh Min Jie is leaving in August to study art at the Bates College, Maine.

World No. 91 Aika, the older sister of two-time British Junior Open winner Aifa, is also contemplating quitting the national set-up.

“Studies is a factor, but it’s also due to my results. I used to win national junior titles but I’m struggling for consistency now,” said the 20-year-old, who is a student at Universiti Malaya (UM).

“Mika (Monto), who I trusted as a coach, has also left and that was a big loss for me personally.

“I’ve spoken to SRAM director Mejar (Rtd) S. Maniam and he told me to give myself a little more time. I’ll decide again after a few tournaments.”

Aika’s next assignment is the Victorian Open in Melbourne, Aus­tralia, from July 11-16.