Veteran Ivan digs deep to land his fifth national title

Staying on the ball: Ivan Yuen (left) in action against Addeen Idrakie during their National Championships final match at the National Squash Centre yesterday. — Bernama

PETALING JAYA: Ivan Yuen’s love affair with the National Championships continued as he became the most decorated player in the tournament after winning a fifth crown in Bukit Jalil yesterday.

However, the feat did not come easy as Ivan had to battle for 56 minutes against fellow national player Addeen Idrakie before winning 11-6, 11-8, 6-11, 11-6 at the National Squash Centre.

Ivan’s run in the tournament had been impressive as he had four consecutive titles from 2017 to 2020 but his streak was snapped following the cancellation of the event in 2021 due to Covid-19 outbreak.

The 33-year-old veteran made it to the final again last year where he was beaten by top ranked Malaysian Ng Eain Yow.

The absence of Eain Yow, the world No. 17, opened the door for Ivan to clinch the title again in his sixth straight final.

Ivan said that he did not expect to win a fifth title due to the rise of the younger players.

“I have no words to describe the feeling, as I can’t believe that I would still get the chance to win a fifth title,” said Ivan.

“This is because more and more back-up players are coming up. It is good to see these young players pushing us and the senior players need to work harder.

“That’s really nice to watch and I hope Malaysian squash will keep getting better.

“I managed to push myself physically and mentally throughout the week, and considering that I was playing much younger guys, I think I did really well.

“I hope this is a good boost and I can continue the momentum at the Asian Games.”

Ivan will be playing in the team event with Eain Yow, Addeen and Syafiq Kamal and he is also down play in the mxed doubles with Rachel Arnold at the Hangzhou Asian Games (Sept 23-Oct 8).

Meanwhile, Aira Azman secured her first national title when she defeated Noor Ainaa Amani Ampandi 11-5, 7-11, 11-3, 11-9 in 26 minutes.

Aira had been on a high since finishing runner-up and guiding Malaysia to the team final at the World Junior Championships in Melbourne last month and that form had remained intact at the National Championships.

Aira had also thanked her coach Andrew Cross for the marked improvement she had shown this year which convinced the Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) to include her in the Asian Games squad.

“I felt quite exhausted due to a hectic tournament schedule but I am thrilled to win the national title,” said the 19-year-old Aira.

“Ainaa played exceptionally well this week where she also beat (top seed) Rachel yesterday, so I knew I had to be at my best to take her on in the final.”

Ivan will compete in two Professional Squash Association (PSA) challenger series events - the North Coast Open in Coffs Harbour, Australia, from Aug 16-20 and Tunku Muhriz Cup in Seremban from Aug 23-27, as his final tune-ups for the Asian Games.

Meanwhile, the Tunku Muhriz Cup will be Aira’s final tournament before the Asian Games.

Men: Ivan Yuen bt Addeen Idrakie 11-6, 11-8, 6-11, 11-6.

Women: Aira Azman bt Noor Ainaa Amani Ampandi 11-5, 7-11, 11-3, 11-9.