Thanusaa and Goh end 30-year title wait for Melaka

THERE is nothing quite like the joy of matching the achievements of one’s idol.

And for national squash player U. Thanusaa, that joy became a reality when she and her partner Goh Zhi Xuan claimed the girls’ doubles crown, bringing an end to Melaka’s long wait for a gold medal at the Malaysia Games (Sukma) yesterday.

Thanusaa-Zhi Xuan came from behind to beat Doyce Lee Ye San-Yee Xin Ying of Sabah 9-11, 11-6, 11-6 in a thrilling 31-minute final at the Sarawak Squash Centre in Petra Jaya.

This victory marked the end of a 30-year gold medal drought for Melaka in squash.

The last time Melaka stood atop the podium was in 1994 when Sharon Wee claimed the girls’ singles title at the Perak edition.

For Thanusaa, who grew up idolising Sharon, this triumph carried a significance that went far beyond the medal itself.

“Winning this gold medal means a great deal to me, especially since it’s the first for Melaka since Sharon’s triumph in 1994. Sharon is my role model,” said Thanusaa.

“Following in her footsteps and contributing to Melaka’s legacy with this gold medal is both inspiring and deeply fulfilling for me.

“It feels like a moment of pride and a continuation of our legacy and I’m honoured to contribute to Melaka’s rich history in this way.

Thanusaa partnered Andrik Lim Kai Shan to secure silver in the mixed doubles event on Monday.“Receiving the gold and silver medals feels like a belated birthday gift,” said Thanusaa, who just turned 19 last Saturday.

“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our coaches, family and everyone who supported us. Their encouragement was crucial to our success.”

In the boys’ doubles category, Sarawakians Harith Danial Jefri-Altamis Aqhar Sallam A Sufian emerged as newly-crowned champions after securing a hard-fought 11-10, 9-11, 11-10 victory against Ishant Shah-R. Dhirren of Penang.

“It was a tough match today (yesterday), and we didn’t take it easy,” said Harith, who bagged mixed doubles gold medal on Monday.

“They’re a strong team and we just gave it our all for Sarawak team.

“It feels very amazing to win in front of my parents, especially since this is the first time my father has seen me win a gold medal in a major tournament, so I feel proud of myself.”

FINAL RESULTS

Boys’ doubles: Harith Danial Jefri-Altamis Aqhar Sallam A Sufian (Swk) bt Ishant Shah-R. Dhirren (Pen) 11-10, 9-11, 11-10.

Girls’ doubles: Goh Zhi Xuan-U. Thanusaa (Mel) bt Doyce Lee Ye San-Yee Xin Ying (Sab) 9-11, 11-6, 11-6.

Bronze-medal match

Boys’ doubles: Veroon Heng-Andrik Lim Kai Shan (Mel) bt Harold Rynesh Aloysius-Erwin Kros Christopher (Sel) 11-6, 10-11, 11-9.

Girls’ doubles: Nathalie Sim-Whitney Isabelle Wilson (Swk) bt Harleein Tan-V. Haneesha (Nse) 11-6, 11-3.