PETALING JAYA: National squash junior player Andrik Lim showed class to successfully defend his Sharon Wee Trophy crown in Melaka on Sunday (Aug 24).
The 19-year-old, currently a full scholar at Trinity College in the United States, came through a stern test against his former Bukit Jalil Sports School teammate Veroon Heng before prevailing 3-11, 12-10, 12-10, 11-9 in a pulsating men’s final.
It was also a breakthrough moment for Goh Zhi Xuan, who finally got her hands on the women’s crown after finishing runner-up last year.
The 18-year-old, who will be leaving for Stanford University next month, was in commanding form as she brushed aside her younger sister, Goh Jia Xuan, 11-3, 11-1, 11-1.
Jia Xuan, 15, showed plenty of promise as well, having just returned from the Korea Junior Open where she finished third.
Tournament founder and former world No. 18 Sharon Wee expressed delight with the increasing participation, particularly from juniors and the Melaka squash community.
"It’s encouraging to see more players coming through this year," said Sharon, who also serves as vice-president of both MSRA and the Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM).
"Since the new MSRA (Melaka Squash Rackets Association) management team under president Han Yong Chye came in last December, we’ve introduced five new state programmes for the first time in 20 years.
"These include three tournaments, team-building and motivation camps, an appreciation night and friendly matches. The aim is to unearth more talent and strengthen the depth across every age group.
"We’re also grateful to have former players giving back to the sport, including Datuk Tan Seng Kit, CEO of STRATEQ, who has come in as our main sponsor alongside other partners who share our vision."
In recognition of her contributions in sport, youth and leadership, Sharon was also conferred the Darjah Seri Melaka (D.S.M) by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Melaka, Tun Ali Rustam in conjunction with Tun’s birthday celebration on Sunday (24 Aug).
