Darren nails his first international title of the year

Darren Rahul Pragasam (right) makes a return to India's Ramit Tandon during the Malaysian Squash Open at the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil, November 23, 2021. — GLENN GUAN/The Star

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian squash player Darren Rahul Pragasam claimed his first international tittle of the year after triumphing in the WA Open International in Belmont, Australia.

The second seeded Darren defeated fifth seed Shady El Sherbini 13-11, 6-11, 11-5, 14-12 in a 49- minute final yesterday.

Darren made his way to the final after beating Ka Hei Ho of Hong Kong 11-5, 11-4, 11-7 in the semi-final.

There was no joy for fellow Malaysian Goh Zhi Xuan as she fell at the final hurdle.

The fourth seeded Zhi Xuan lost 4-11, 7-11, 11-7, 4-11 to No. 2 seed Kirstie Wong of Hong Kong in the women’s final.

Zhi Xuan had beaten sixth seed Kaitlyn Watts of New Zealand 13-11, 11-7, 6-11, 11-8 to set up a final clash against Kirstie.