Bittersweet triumph for Syafiq in Singapore

Dynamic duo: Mohd Syafiq Kamal and U. Thanussa posing with their trophies. — Squash Singapore

PETALING JAYA: Injuries can often dampen the celebrations of a victory – even if it was your opponent who got hurt.

National squash player Mohd Syafiq Kamal returned to the world’s top 100 after winning the Singapore Challenger on Sunday, but his triumph was overshadowed by compatriot Harith Daniel Jefri’s injury.

In a closely contested all-Malaysian final, the 29-year-old Syafiq was leading 12-10, 11-4 when 20-year-old Harith was forced to retire with an injury early in the third game, handing Syafiq the title with the score at 12-10, 11-4, 0-1 (retired).

Syafiq acknowledged that the injury was a setback, as the youngster was in good form and wished him a speedy recovery.

“Harith was playing well the whole week. The match was really tough before he got injured.

“I hope he recovers as soon as possible,” said the world No. 99.

The win still remains a major boost for Syafiq in his attempt to climb up the ranks from world No. 156 at the start of the month.

Following up his title at the Professional Squash Association (PSA) Mumbai Challenger with this one has propelled him back into the top 100, with his career-high world No. 73 rank within reach.

The left-handed Syafiq will next compete in the Tuanku Mukriz Trophy in August while also planning to intensify his doubles training before representing the country at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games from Sept 19-Oct 4.

Meanwhile, it was double delight for the nation as 20-year-old U. Thanussa claimed the women’s title after defeating Egypt’s seventh seed Malak El Maraghy 12-10, 11-6, 11-2 in 26 minutes.