Syafiq brightens chances of securing spot for C’wealth Games

PETALING JAYA: Mohd Syafiq Kamal (pic), seeking a spot in the individual event of the Commonwealth Games, did himself a favour by clearing the first hurdle with four other Malaysians in the Irish Open in Dublin.

Syafiq secured an 11-7, 9-11, 11-7 win in the first round on Tuesday. Ivan Yuen also did well to secure a convincing 11-4, 11-5, 11-5 win over Robert Downer of England.

With Ivan and Ng Eain Yow having already secured their tickets for the individual events of the Birmingham Games from July 28-August 8, it will be a tussle between Syafiq and Addeen Idrakie for the remaining slot.

Addeen found the going tough against Rui Soares of Portugal and lost 5-11, 11-8, 5-11, 4-11 in the first round.

In the women’s event, Chan Yiwen and Lai Wen Li had to battle hard to advance to the second round.

Wen Li came from two games down to upstage Alicia Mead of England 9-11, 4-11, 11-7, 11-8, 11-8.

Yiwen was taken to four games by Breanne Flynn of Ireland before the Malaysian secured a 9-11, 11-4, 11-7, 12-10 win.

“It was a good start for all our players. They all played well yesterday (Tuesday). Ivan had a good game against Downer while Syafiq, Yiwen and Wenli managed to hang in there to beat their opponents,” said national assistant head coach Andrew Cross.

“Addeen gave his best against a very tough opponent and it’s a pity that he was not able to move into the next round.”