PETALING JAYA: Squash players Low Wa Sern of Perak and U. Thanusaa of Melaka followed in the footsteps of former champions to stand proud as the Malaysia Games (Sukma) men and women's individual winners on Tuesday (Aug 18).
Wa Sern powered his way to his maiden Sukma gold medal after taking down Selangor’s M. Nickhileswar 11-6, 11-8, 11-2 in 35 minutes at the Astaka MBPJ Squash Complex.
And the 19-year-old thanked the 2024 Malaysia Games (Sukma) gold medallist Joachim Chuah, who is his college mate at Trinity College in Connecticut, for his guidance.
"I want to be as good as the big guys, and there are a lot of players that I look up to. One of them is Joachim," said Wa Sern.
"He has been pushing me so much on court and giving me advice all the time. Right now, I’m just trying to get myself to a higher level, and although I feel I’m within touching distance, I’m not quite there yet."
Wa Sern won a bronze at the Sarawak edition two years ago, a big step up from his debut round of 16 exit at the 2022 edition.
"I was quite disappointed I didn't do well during my first Sukma, especially because Perak has been helping me in my career so much.
"Now, I’m very happy for myself and my state."
Thanusaa too was on cloud nine after becoming Melaka's first champion after 32 years.
Thanusaa, who celebrated her 21st birthday on Monday, stunned top seed K. Sehveetrraa of Kedah 11-7, 13-11, 11-7 in the final.
Former squash queen Sharon Wee was the last to win the title for the state in 1994.
The national back-up player Thanusaa is hoping that the win will signal more breakthroughs from her.
"I've did not play for a year since the Sarawak Sukma due to ankle injury," said Thanusaa, who has already won four Professional Squash Association titles this year, namely the T-Force Pro Challenger, WA Open, Singapore Challenger, and the Henri Charpentier Singapore Gold Cup.
"I’m in the back-up programme but I’ve been trying to get back on track and beat the podium players.
"Sehveetrraa is in the podium programme, but she’s also been battling injuries like me," said Thanusaa, who is also based in the US.
It was her first individual gold in Sukma after winning the doubles title two years ago in Sarawak.
RESULTS
Men
Final: Low Wa Sern (Prk) bt M. Nickhileswar (Sel) 11-6, 11-8, 11-2.
Bronze-medal playoff: Raziq Putra Mohd Fakhrur (FT) bt Jayden Oon (Ter) 13-11, 9-11, 10-12, 11-8, 11-1.
Women
Final: U. Thanusaa (Mel) bt K. Sehveetrraa (Ked) 11-7, 13-11, 11-7.
Bronze medal match: Harleein Tan (Nse) bt Whitney Isabelle Wilson (Swk) 11-5, 11-2, 1-11, 11-6.
