Lanky Sai Hung has mountain to climb in PSA title quest

KUALA LUMPUR: Lanky Ong Sai Hung (pic) has the height to excel in squash.

But the Kedahan, who is a six-footer, has yet to win his first Professional Squash Association (PSA) title since turning professional in 2015.

Sai Hung, who will turn 22 next month, hopes that 2020 will bring him better luck in the PSA tournaments.

He played in 13 PSA tournaments last year and reached the semi-finals in two tournaments in Australia – the Bendigo International last August and the Queensland Open last November.

His best outing in a tournament was stunning world No. 75 Peter Creed of Wales in the first round of the Malaysian Open in Bukit Jalil last September.

But unfortunately, Sai Hung who was ranked 227th in September, lost to teammate Ivan Yuen in straight sets in the second round.

Sai Hung, who is now ranked 167th in the world, said his main goal this year is to nail his first PSA title.

“I have been trying hard for the last two years to lift a title but I failed to even reach the finals.

“I have been pushing myself hard in training to be more aggressive in my game and also to be physically fit, ” said Sai Hung, who is coached by Ajaz Ahmad of Pakistan.

Sai Hung’s first tournament this year is the Perrier Challenge in Hong Kong from March 4-8.

Sai Hung said he has two months to improve his game and fitness to put up a strong challenge in the tournament in Hong Kong.

“I also want to win a place in the national team for the Asian Team championships (at the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil from March 25-29). But it is going to be tough as I am the sixth ranked player in Malaysia and only four players will be picked, ” said Sai Hung.

Malaysia’s top men players are national No. 1 Ng Eain Yow, Ivan Yuen, Mohd Syafiq Kamal, Addeen Idrakie and Darren Rahul Pragasam.