No CNY celebration again but no problem for Eain

Distance is not a problem: Ng Eain Yow (left) said he would always find ways to stay in contact with his loved ones during the festive season.

PETALING JAYA: Being away during the Chinese New Year is becoming a norm for national squash player Ng Eain Yow.

The world No. 17 will not be with his family again this year, making it his fifth year in a row to miss the celebration due to his devotion and commitment to squash.

Instead of getting all worked up, the 24-year-old said he would always find ways to stay in contact with his loved ones during the festive season.

“It’s not something new for me to be away from my family during the festive season,” said Eain Yow.

“I’m actually back in the United Kingdom after competing in the Sturbridge Capital Motor City Open in the United States last week.

“Due to the game, I’ve to be away, but these are some of the sacrifices we, as athletes, have to go through.

“I will always find ways to call my family and have a nice chat with them as we usher in the new year.

“Here in the UK, Chinese New Year is just like any normal week for me.”

In the Sturbridge Capital Motor City Open, Eain Yow lost to world No. 2 Paul Coll of New Zealand 11-2, 11-6, 11-5 in the quarter-finals but hopes to find his mojo back in the Squash on Fire Open in Washington from Feb 16-20.

“It was a tough match against Coll. I thought that I played well in terms of squash but lacked experience in certain areas to win points during closer rallies,” said Eain Yow.

“Overall my basic foundation has improved a lot, and I matched him in that area, but I did not attack as much as I should have, so I’ll be looking to improve that.

“The Squash on Fire is one of the strongest events at its level as Mohamed El Shorbagy of Egypt and Joel Makin of Wales have confirmed their participation, but I still believe that I have a shot at winning.”