PETALING JAYA: Koay Hao Sheng earned a rare boost for the Malaysian tennis team heading to the Cambodia SEA Games next month after a triumphant campaign on Thailand soil.
The 25-year-old fought his way to the Pattaya Open men’s singles title after beating homester Kantinan Sutinan 6-3, 6-1 in the final at Greta Resort and Sports Club on Tuesday.
National No. 2 Hao Sheng had earned his place in the final after his opponent Siwat Suntayakul of Thailand retired at the first set 4-6.
Earlier, he had stunned Thai fifth seed Michael Matayomchan 7-6 (7-5), 6-4 (quarter-finals); Thai second seed Tanapeth Chanta 6-0, 6-1 (second round), and India’s Raghav Sundaraman 6-1, 7-6 (7-0) (first round).
Hao Sheng, who is from Perlis, was pleased with his performance as he did not drop a set throughout the tournament.
“I guess this was my lucky break. I had not taken part in any competition so far this year and was very excited to return to court in the first place,” said Hao Sheng
“I’m very happy to lift a title in my first tournament this year,” said Hao Sheng, who also hopes for a better showing in his second SEA Games campaign in Cambodia.
It is not often that a Malaysian tennis player wins a tournament outside of the country, so Hao Sheng is hoping to ride the momentum in Cambodia.
“This tournament is a good preparation for me ahead of the SEA Games in Cambodia.
“I hope that together with the Malaysian team, we can make the country proud.
“I also want to thank my sponsors, family and friends who encouraged and supported me throughout this journey to win this tournament.”
At the last SEA Games in Hanoi, Hao Sheng bagged bronze in the team event alongside Aiman Hamdan, Imran Daniel Hazli and Syed Agil Syed Naguib.
Hao Sheng and Imran are returning for a second SEA Games campaign alongside national No. 1 Mitsuki Leong, Christian Andre and Darrshan Suresh.
