Erwin nicks another title in flawless fashion

PETALING JAYA: Rising squash player Erwin Kros Christopher (pic) was flawless in his run to clinch the Tashkent PSA Satellite in Uzbekistan on Sunday.

The 17-year-old did not drop a single set on his way to winning his second title of the year, taking down home player and Uzbekistan’s No. 1 Mohd Mustafo Abdurakmonov in 11-4, 11-6, 11-4 win in Tashkent.

Erwin’s path to the final was against players from the Uzbekistan national team, and he won all matches in straight games, highlighting his resilience on the international stage.

Erwin, who is currently ranked No. 1 in Selangor and No. 20 in Asia, had earlier won the Sri Lanka Junior Open in February.

Before leaving for Uzbekistan, Erwin said national coaching director Andrew Cross had thrown a gauntlet.

“I met with coach Cross, and he told me to bring back the title and prove to myself that I could do it without dropping a single set. I’m happy I managed to do it,” said Erwin.

“I’m very happy with this result, especially after such a short preparation period. My game style has changed and I am adapting to it well day by day, and so far, my progress has been good.”

Erwin is aiming to be Asia’s No. 1 Under-19 player by the end of the year, and hopes to enter the PSA top 200 world rankings as well.

He will be heading to the Philippines next to defend his South-East Asian Junior Individual Championship title from June 10-14 in Manila.