Joachim finds positives after runner-up finish in New York

PETALING JAYA: National squash player Joachim Chuah is taking plenty of positives from his runner-up finish at the Hyder Trophy in New York on Sunday.

The seventh seed went down 3-11, 7-11, 11-5, 7-11 to England’s Tom Walsh, but remained upbeat after a challenging lead-up to the tournament.

“Overall, I think I played pretty well throughout the week, considering my preparation wasn’t ideal,” said the world No. 94, who juggled college commitments at Trinity College while dealing with an ankle injury and illness.

“I’m happy with how I pushed through mentally. It just wasn’t my day in the final, and I have to accept that. There’s still a lot to improve on.”

He faced several familiar faces en route to the final, including compatriots C. Ameeshenraj in the quarter-final and Nathan Kueh in the semis. Joachim won both matches in straight games.

“It’s always hard playing your own countrymen. Ameeshenraj is such a powerful player and our battles have always been very close, and this time it was no different.

“Nathan is super skilful and definitely underrated. So I had to be on my toes throughout the match,” said Joachim.

Meanwhile, top seed Noor Ainaa Amani Ampandi exited in the semi-finals after losing to Caroline Fouts, who went on to win the title after defeating Margot Prow of Barbados in a five-game thriller in the final.