Malaysia face must-win situation against Colombia

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s squash team have a do-or-die mission against Colombia in the Men’s Team World Championship after losing their second Group C match against France.

The team were outclassed by third seeds France as they fell 0-3 in Washington DC yesterday.

World No. 98 Addeen Idrakie was overpowered 4-11,2-11,4-11 by world No. 26 Mathieu Castagnet in the first match.

In the second match, former world No. 1 Gregory Gaultier marked his return from 14-month knee injury by defeating Ivan Yuen 11-8,11-7,11-6.

National No. 1 Ng Eain Yow put up a determined display to salvage a point but he still came up short 8-11,11-6,1-11,7-11 against world No. 15 Gregoire Marche in the final match.Assistant head coach Andrew Cross said the team fought hard.

“France are a solid team but Ivan and Eain Yow gave their opponents a good fight till the end. It was competitive despite the defeat, ” said Cross.

Having defeated South Korea 3-0 in the opening match on Sunday, the team must beat Colombia if they are to qualify for the last 16.

With world No. 9 Miguel Rodriguez on the Columbian team, the deciding factors will most likely come in the other two singles matches. Colombia will be banking on Juan Camilo Vargas (No. 92), Ronald Palomino (No. 184) and Erick Herrera (No. 590) to deliver.

With Eain Yow (No. 32), Ivan (No. 47), Syafiq Kamal (No. 88) and Addeen, Malaysia have a slight edge on paper.

“We have to beat Colombia. With Miguel on their team it’s difficult but we will still try to go out and win all three matches. Our players will have to rise to the challenge.”