Mixed Day One for Malaysia

Mixed results for Adam and Darryl on World Juniors opener

Zheng Guan Kng reports

KUALA LUMPUR – The first day of the 2019 CIMB Foundation WSF World Junior Squash Championships got off to an explosive start with several five-setters to set the pace.

On the Malaysian front, all but two players – Adam Agan Aziz and Darry Gan – received a first round bye.

And both Adam and Darryl served up exciting displays at the National Squash Centre, Bukit Jalil on Tuesday albeit contrasting results.

Adam, competing in his first major event, recovered from a horrible start where he trailed 6-0 in the first game to overcome Hong Kong’s Lap Au 11-8, 11-6, 11-8.

It is a fine start for the Melakan who earned his slot in the world juniors after eliminating Hafiz Zhafri in the selection trials.

“Its my first world juniors and I was feeling very nervous and I made a lot of mistakes which gave my opponent a 6-0 lead to start,” admitted Adam.

“But after that I grew calmer and I managed to execute my game plan to apply more pressure on him.

“I’m pleased to get off to a fine winning start because I really wanted to do well in my first major competition.

“Now I need to ensure that I do not start nervously in the second round. I need to stay calm and play a thinking game with better shot selections if I hope to go further. Hopefully, luck is on my side too.”

Adam’s next opponent will be a tough one in joint fifth-eighth seed Yehia Elnawasany of Egypt.

Meanwhile Darryl blew a matchball opportunity as he went down in five games to Hong Kong’s To Wai Lok.

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Malaysian Day One Results :

Adam Agan Bin Aziz (MAS) 3-0 Lap Au (HKG)                11-8, 11-6, 11-8
To Wai Lok (HKG) 3-2 Darryl Gan (MAS)    11-5, 9-11, 4-11, 12-10, 11-8