Tunku Imran: Brace for a tougher competition at Ace Squash Cup

PETALING JAYA: The Ace Malaysia Squash Cup is set to be tougher than the Asian Games.

And former Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) president Tunku Tan Sri Imran Tuanku Ja’afar does not want the national players to rest on their laurels when they begin their campaign at the S2 Sports Complex in Seremban, Negri Sembilan on Monday.

Malaysia are fielding their strongest possible line-up, featuring Ng Eain Yow, Ivan Yuen, Addeen Idrakie, C. Ameeshenraj and Mohd Syafiq Kamal in the men’s team while the women’s team comprise Aifa Azman, Rachel Arnold, S. Sivasangari, Low Wee Wern, Noor Ainaa Amani Ampandi and J. Yasshmita.

Tunku Imran was proud of the team’s accomplishments at the Hangzhou Asiad last month, where they brought home an impressive medal haul of 3-1-1.

He, however, cautioned them about the bronze-level tournament, emphasising that the competition would be even more challenging than the Asiad due to the presence of top players from 20 countries, including Egyptians – world No. 5 Mostafa Asal, world No. 6 Karim Abdel Gawad in the men’s category and world No. 6 Nour El Tayeb and world No. 19 Farida Mohamed.

“Congratulations on the Asian Games outing ... that was really good,” said Tunku Imran, who is also the patron of the World Squash Federation, in a promotional video for the Cup.

“Now, it is back to work as young squash professionals. The Ace Malaysia Squash Cup is coming up and I want all to do really well. It’s going to be tough, we all know what we went through at the Asian Games, but it’s going to be even tougher as a professional. These players (at the Ace meet) have different styles and ways of playing.”

Tunku Imran has also offered valuable advice to motivate the players and encourage them to fare well, not only in the Cup but also in their sporting careers.

“If you’re going to be a pro and going to be there for years on the circuit, just learn to enjoy sport and squash. If you’re not having fun, you’re not going to win.”