PETALING JAYA: National squash player Syafiq Kamal is bracing for another tough match in the semi-finals of the 6K ACE Challenger in Kemaman, Terengganu.
Top seed Syafiq went the distance in the quarter-finals against eight seed Egypt’s Mohamed Gohar yesterday, and prevailed with a 11-6, 2-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-7 win.
“I had to dig deep to get the win because there were no easy points from the beginning. I’m glad to come through the tough game,” said the world No. 101.
Standing in Syafiq’s way in his mission to win his first title in five years is third seed Ravindu Laksiri of Sri Lanka.
“He’s going to be another tough opponent as I’ve known him for some time.
“What’s important for me is to focus on my recovery and get myself ready. It just gets harder at each stage,” he said.
Malaysia’s Duncan Lee also cruised to the semi-finals after winning 11-7, 8-11, 11-7, 11-1 against England’s James Peach and will play Egypt’s Yassin Shohdy today.
In the women’s category, third seed K. Sehveetrraa booked her spot in the semi-finals after defeating Jemyca Aribado of the Philippines 11-4, 11-3, 11-5 and will meet fifth seed Malak Fathy of Egypt today.
Yee Xin Ying also made it to the semi-finals after taking down Egypt’s Nour Khafagy 11-7, 11-8, 11-7.
Eighth seed Xin Ying will take on second seed Habiba Hani of Egypt today in the semi-finals.
QUARTER-FINAL RESULTS
Men: Syafiq Kamal (Mas) bt Mohamed Gohar (Egy) 11-6, 2-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-7; Duncan Lee (Mas) bt James Peach (Eng) 11-7, 8-11, 11-7, 11-1; Ravindu Laksiri (Srl) bt Ryu Jeongmin (Kor) 9-11, 11-6, 11-8, 9-11, 11-5; Yassin Shohdy (Egy) bt Yehia Essam (Egy) 11-5, 11-5, 11-7
Women: K. Sehveetrraa (Mas) bt Jemyca Aribado (Phi) 11-4, 11-3, 11-5; Yee Xin Ying (Mas) bt Nour Khafagy (Egy) 11-7, 11-8, 11-7; Malak Fathy (Egy) bt Au Yong Wai Yhann (Sin) 11-5, 11-5, 11-4; Habiba Hani (Egy) bt Barb Sameh (Egy) 5-11, 11-5, 12-10, 10-12, 11-6.
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