Our men and women’s squads start strong in Cheongjun

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia began their title defence in the men and women’s events with convincing victories at the Asian Team Squash Championships in Cheongjun, South Korea.

The men’s team rested second ranked Addeen Idrakie in their first Group B match against the Philippines but they still came out tops, winning 3-0.

Ng Eain Yow (pic) put Malaysia ahead with a 11-6, 11-6, 11-8 win over Robert Garcia while debutant Ong Sai Hung confirmed victory after beating David Pelino 11-6, 11-3, 11-4.

Syafiq Kamal, playing as the No. 2, completed the easy victory when he overcame Reymark Begornia 11-5, 11-6, 11-3.

Addeen took to the court in the second match against Iran and Malaysia went on to win 3-0 too.

Addeen defeated Sepehr Etemadpoor 11-7, 11-3, 11-8 in the last tie of the clash as Eain Yow and Syafiq had already put Malaysia 2-0.

Eain Yow beat Alireza Shameli 11-6, 11-5, 11-6 while Syafiq defeated Samioolah Ghased Abadi 11-8, 11-2, 11-5 in their respective matches.

They will play Japan and traditional rivals Hong Kong today where victories will ensure their place in the last four and top spot in Group B.

Said coach Ajaz Azmat: “It was a good performance overall. We gave all the boys a chance to play and get warmed-up.”

Meanwhile, top seeds Malaysia, led by Aifa Azman, cruised to a 3-0 win against hosts South Korea in the women’s Group A opener.

Aifa started the ball rolling when she beat Eum Hwa-yeong 11-6, 11-5, 11-4 while debutant Chan Yiwen secured the winning point when she overcame Choe Yura 11-5, 11-7, 11-7.

However, Rachel Arnold was forced to fight for her 11-9, 14-16, 7-11, 11-8, 11-7 win over Yang Yeon-soo.

“The women also played well for their win. Rachel had a tough game but she managed to pull through,” said Ajaz.

The girls should overcome Japan and Singapore to clinch their semi-final spot.