PETALING JAYA: National squash player Darren Pragasam marked his birthday with a winning start at the Tuanku Muhriz Trophy Wednesday (Aug 27).
The world No. 120 Darren, who turned 26 on Wednesday, stormed into the second round after securing a comfortable 11-6, 11-1, 11-6 victory over Japan’s world No. 189 Naoki Hayashi in the opening round at the S2 Sports Complex in Seremban.
Darren was relieved to clear the first round, matching his best run in the home tournament after crashing out at the same stage in the inaugural 2020 edition and last year.
"It is my birthday, but the celebrations will definitely have to wait until after the tournament," said Darren.
"I’m glad to make it through to the second round again.
"It was a pretty comfortable first round, but Hayashi has been playing well in recent tournaments so I was mentally prepared for a tough match.
"Just happy to get over the line and now just focusing on tomorrow," he said.
A far tougher test now awaits the Negri Sembilan-born player as he faces top seed and world No. 48 Henry Leung of Hong Kong in the second round on Thursday (Aug 28).
Darren has yet to beat Henry, having lost both their previous meetings at the Auckland Open in 2020 and the Yokohama Open this April. Darren said he would be ready for the challenge.
"Playing the top seed is never easy but it is always a great opportunity, especially playing at home in front of everyone," said Darren.
"Getting a win tomorrow would be the perfect gift."
FIRST ROUND RESULTS (Malaysians unless stated)
Men’s: Darren Pragasam bt Naoki Hayashi (Jpn) 11-6, 11-1, 11-6; Mohd Syafiq Kamal bt Mohd Hafiz Abdul Harif 9-11, 11-6, 11-8, 11-5; Joachim Chuah bt Yehia Essam (Egy) 11-3, 11-6, 11-2; Yassin Shohdy (Egy) bt Shamiel Haeyzad 11-3, 11-9, 11-6;
Women’s: Goh Zhi Xuan by Anrie Goh 11-7, 11-4, 13-11; Haneesha Veerakumar bt Jemyca Aribado (Phi) 11-6, 8-11, 12-10, 11-5; Zoe Foo bt Sophie Fadaely (Aus) 11-9, 11-6, 11-9; Erisa Sano Herring (Jpn) bt Fereshteh Eghtedari (Ira) 11-9, 11-9, 10-12, 11-3
