In a significant development for squash enthusiasts across Southeast Asia, Thailand is preparing to host the eagerly awaited 2nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Junior Individual Squash Championships from May 8 to 12, 2024. Following the remarkable success of its inaugural edition, the championship returns to the bustling city of Bangkok, with Vajiravudjh College selected as the esteemed venue for this exciting showcase of young squash talent.

Thailand's decision to once again host the championships underscores its commitment to nurturing the sport of squash within the region. With its thriving squash community and state-of-the-art facilities, Thailand is well-positioned to deliver a memorable tournament experience for players and fans alike.

One of the most significant changes for this edition of the championships is the increased participation from across Southeast Asia. With all players now competing for valuable Asian Junior Squash Series (AJSS) points, designated as a Silver event by the Asian Squash Federation (ASF), the competition is expected to reach new heights of intensity and excitement. This development not only enhances the prestige of the championship but also provides young players with added motivation to showcase their skills on the international stage.

The SEA Junior Individual Squash Championships serve as a vital platform for nurturing emerging talent and promoting cultural exchange within the region. As young squash players from various Southeast Asian nations converge in Bangkok, they will have the opportunity to test their abilities against the best and forge lasting bonds with fellow athletes.

"The SEA Junior Individual Squash Championships embody the spirit of camaraderie and excellence that defines squash in Southeast Asia," commented a spokesperson from the organizing committee. "We are thrilled to welcome players from across the region to Thailand once again and eagerly anticipate the thrilling competition that lies ahead."

With excitement building ahead of the championship, squash enthusiasts and supporters are eagerly awaiting the start of the action in Bangkok. As the next generation of squash stars prepares to take center stage, all eyes will be on Vajiravudjh College as it hosts what promises to be a captivating and unforgettable tournament.

The Southeast Asian Squash Federation (SEASF) recently concluded its highly anticipated 2023 elections, unveiling a dynamic team of office-bearers who are poised to take squash to new heights in the region over the next two years. In an uncontested victory, Mr. Robert Bachmann of the Philippines has been reelected as President, setting the stage for an exciting chapter in the history of squash in Southeast Asia.

Bachmann's Uncontested Victory

The reelection of Robert Bachmann for a second term as President, uncontested, is a testament to the trust and confidence SEASF members have in his leadership. Bachmann's dedication and passion for the sport of squash have been the driving force behind his reelection, and this resounding endorsement signifies that he will continue to steer the ship, ensuring the growth and success of squash in Southeast Asia.

During his first term as President, Robert Bachmann played a pivotal role in advancing the sport across the region, promoting initiatives to encourage greater participation and development. His vision, commitment, and extensive experience make him the ideal leader to guide the federation in its mission to further establish squash as a prominent sport in Southeast Asia.

Reelected and Newly Elected Vice Presidents

The SEASF office bearers for 2023-2025 also feature a strong line-up of Vice Presidents. Two VPs who have been reelected are Brigitta Kijono of Indonesia and Akarin Hiranprueck of Thailand. Their unwavering dedication to promoting squash in the region and their invaluable contributions have been duly recognized and rewarded with their reelection. This continuity ensures that SEASF will continue to benefit from their expertise and commitment.

Adding fresh perspectives and energy to the leadership team, SEASF welcomes two new Vice Presidents to the Management Committee (ManCom): Jang Adnan of Malaysia and Tan Ming Jen of Singapore. Elected during the recent AGM, these new faces bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the organization, promising a fresh impetus to the sport of squash in Southeast Asia.

Squash in the LA Olympic Games 2028

In an exciting development announced last October 16, 2023, squash has been officially included in the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028. This momentous decision presents a world of opportunities for squash in Southeast Asia, as it offers the sport the global recognition it deserves and an unprecedented platform to showcase its excellence. SEASF is immensely thankful and thrilled about this development. It is a historic moment that promises to inspire a new generation of athletes, attract new followers to the sport, and elevate squash to even greater heights.

As we eagerly look forward to this new chapter in the history of squash, SEASF is committed to leveraging this remarkable opportunity to further promote and develop squash in Southeast Asia. The LA Olympic Games 2028 will provide the stage for our region's squash players to shine on the world's most prestigious sporting platform.

With President Robert Bachmann's uncontested victory and a dedicated and diverse team of office-bearers, the future of squash in Southeast Asia appears brighter than ever. As we embark on this exciting journey, we are confident that SEASF is well-equipped to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, securing the growth and success of squash in the region.

In conclusion, the SEASF elections of 2023, combined with squash's inclusion in the LA Olympic Games 2028, have set the stage for an extraordinary period in the history of the sport. With the unwavering dedication of its leadership and the promise of Olympic glory, squash in Southeast Asia is poised for a thrilling and prosperous era.

*Photo grabbed from Thailand Squash Rackets Association Facebook page

The 19th Hangzhou Asian Games have showcased a stunning display of squash talent, with athletes from across the continent vying for supremacy in the sport. The squash events brought thrilling matches, and the spectators were treated to some breathtaking rallies and exceptional performances.

The squash competition at Hangzhou 2022 served as a stage for camaraderie and fierce competition among players, as they tested their skills, endurance, and mental resilience in the pursuit of glory. The event's backdrop of the picturesque West Lake and the vibrant cityscape of Hangzhou added to the enchantment of the games, creating a memorable setting for squash enthusiasts and athletes alike.  Let's delve into the highlights of the squash results from the Hangzhou Asian Games.

Women's Singles:

In the women's singles category, it was Malaysia's Sivasangari Subramaniam who emerged as the shining star, securing the gold medal. Her exceptional skills and composure on the court were a sight to behold, leaving the audience in awe. Subramaniam's victory marked a proud moment for Malaysia in squash.

The silver medal in the women's singles category went to Chan Sin Yuk from Hong Kong. She displayed tremendous talent and determination throughout the tournament, making it an intense competition for the top spot.

Men's Singles:

In the men's singles category, Malaysia continued its impressive run as Ng Ean Yow secured the gold medal. Ng's agility, power, and strategic brilliance on the court were unmatched, making him a formidable force in the tournament.

The silver medal was claimed by Saurav Ghosal from India. Ghosal's tenacity and remarkable squash skills were on full display, making the final an electrifying contest.

Mixed Doubles:

The mixed doubles event was another exciting facet of squash at the Hangzhou Asian Games. The gold medal in this category was won by the Indian pair of Dipika Pallikal Karthik and Harinder Pal Sandhu. Their combination of skill and teamwork proved to be unbeatable, earning them the top spot on the podium.

The silver medal was secured by the Malaysian duo of Aifa Binti Azman and Mohammad Syafiq Kamal. They displayed remarkable coordination and spirit throughout the competition.

Men's and Women's Team Events:

In the team events, India's men's squash team showcased remarkable teamwork and skill to capture the gold medal. Their consistent performance and synergy on the court helped them achieve this significant victory. The silver medal in the men's team event was claimed by Pakistan, making it a fiercely contested category.

In the women's team event, Malaysia continued to dominate squash, securing the gold medal. The team's determination, coordination, and impressive skills demonstrated their supremacy in the sport. Hong Kong, China, clinched the silver medal, making the women's team event an exciting showdown.

The Hangzhou Asian Games 2022 squash competition served as a platform for athletes to display their talent and dedication to the sport. The results showcased the growing popularity of squash in Asia and the emergence of new stars in the game.

As the athletes celebrate their achievements and the fans revel in the excitement of these incredible matches, the Hangzhou Asian Games 2022 will be remembered as a significant chapter in the history of squash in the continent. The event emphasized the bright future of this exhilarating sport, and these results will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of squash players across Asia.

Excitement is building as the 19th Asian Games inches closer, and now, Squash enthusiasts have more reason to look forward to this prestigious event. The seedings, draws, and pools for Squash at the 19th Asian Games have been officially announced, setting the stage for intense competition and thrilling matchups.

With these announcements, the anticipation for the Squash events has reached new heights. The seedings reflect the players' current world rankings and past performances, adding a layer of intrigue to the tournament.

The draws have been meticulously designed to ensure that players face opponents of varying strengths, providing a fair and challenging competition. Fans can look forward to witnessing top-seeded players go head-to-head with rising stars, promising an exciting blend of experience and youthful vigor on the Squash courts.

The pools have been structured to promote diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that athletes from different nations compete against each other. This arrangement not only fosters international camaraderie but also allows Squash to showcase its global appeal.

The 19th Asian Games promise to be a spectacular stage for Squash, where the sport's finest talents from across the continent will vie for gold. The Squash community is gearing up for what is sure to be an unforgettable showcase of skill, determination, and sportsmanship.

As the tournament approaches, fans, players, and organizers are eagerly awaiting the Squash events, where champions will be crowned, and Squash's popularity will continue to grow across Asia and beyond. Stay tuned for updates and prepare to witness thrilling action on the Squash courts at the 19th Asian Games.

The 30th Asian Junior Individual Championships recently came to an exhilarating close, marking the triumph of youthful energy and outstanding skill in the world of Squash. Hosted in Dalian, China from August 16 to 20, 2023, the championships brought together budding talents from various Asian nations, showcasing their exceptional abilities and unwavering determination on the court.

The five-day championships have attracted over 220 junior players from 14 member nations to participate.

With intense matches and impressive displays of sportsmanship, the event proved to be a celebration of camaraderie and friendly competition among the participating junior players. Coaches, parents, and organizers played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the tournament, fostering an environment that encouraged the growth and development of these promising athletes.

As the 30th Asian Junior Individual Championships concluded, it left behind a legacy of inspiration and optimism for the future of Squash in the region. The tournament not only highlighted the incredible potential of these young players but also underscored the growing popularity and dynamism of Squash in the realm of junior athletics.

Please click here for the full set of draws and results.

The squash courts in Vajiravudh College, Bangkok, Thailand, bore witness to an exciting spectacle as the 1st Southeast Asian Squash Junior Championships 2023 unfolded from July 28 to August 1. This inaugural event showcased the talents and determination of young squash enthusiasts from across the Southeast Asian region. The championship attracted 70 players, representing the start of an exciting journey in the world of junior squash in Southeast Asia.

The 1st Southeast Asian Squash Junior Championships marked a significant milestone for squash enthusiasts in the region. As an inaugural event, it represented a remarkable step forward in developing and promoting the sport at the junior level. The tournament was organized with the goal of providing a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills and compete at the regional level.

A total of 70 players from various Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Brunei, took part in the championship. These young squash talents displayed their passion, dedication, and commitment to the sport throughout the event.

The championship featured several age categories, including Under-11, Under-13, Under-15, Under-17, and Under-19, allowing players to compete within their respective age groups. Each age category included both boys and girls divisions, ensuring inclusivity and diversity in the competition.

The tournament witnessed intense matches, with players showcasing their skills and determination. The standard of play was impressive, reflecting the dedication and hard work these junior athletes had put into their training.

The crowning moment of the 1st Southeast Asian Squash Junior Championships was the awarding ceremony, which was graced by the presence of SEASF (Southeast Asian Squash Federation) president, Robert Bachmann. President Bachmann shared his excitement and optimism for the future of junior squash in Southeast Asia. He commended the young athletes for their outstanding performances and emphasized the importance of continued support and development in the sport.

One of the key announcements made during the awarding ceremony was the plan to integrate the Southeast Asian Squash Junior Championships into the Asian Junior Super Series. This strategic move aims to provide an even bigger platform for junior players in Southeast Asia. By aligning with the Super Series, players will have the opportunity to earn ranking points, further motivating them to excel and compete at a higher level. This will not only elevate the status of the sport but also encourage more young talents to take up squash.

A Promising Start for Southeast Asian Junior Players

The 1st Southeast Asian Squash Junior Championships 2023 laid a strong foundation for the growth and development of junior squash in the region. This event provided young athletes with a valuable opportunity to gain experience, compete at a higher level, and build their skills. As the championship moves forward and integrates with the Asian Junior Super Series, it is expected that the number of participants will grow, and the competition will become even more intense.

The championship also serves as an excellent platform for identifying and nurturing talented young players who may one day represent their respective countries on the international stage. The experience gained here will be invaluable as these players progress in their squash careers.

The 1st Southeast Asian Squash Junior Championships 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand, was a resounding success. It marked the beginning of an exciting journey for junior squash players in Southeast Asia, providing them with a platform to showcase their talents and compete at the regional level. With the support of the Southeast Asian Squash Federation and the prospect of integrating into the Asian Junior Super Series, the future of junior squash in the region looks bright. This event has set a positive precedent for the development of squash in Southeast Asia, and it is hoped that it will inspire more young athletes to take up the sport and pursue their dreams on the squash court.

Results and Tournament Info

In a landmark decision, Squash has been selected as an official sport for the 20th Asian Games, scheduled to take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, in 2026. The Southeast Asian Squash Federation (SEASF) is thrilled to embrace this exciting development, marking a significant step forward for the sport within the region.

Squash enthusiasts across Southeast Asia are rejoicing at the prospect of seeing their favorite sport showcased at one of the most prestigious sporting events in Asia. The inclusion of Squash in the 20th Asian Games is a testament to the sport's growing popularity and its remarkable achievements over the years.

The selection of Squash for the 20th Asian Games reflects the growing interest in the sport and the commitment of players, coaches, and supporters in Southeast Asia. This recognition opens up new possibilities for the sport's growth and development within the region.

With the Asian Games just a few years away, SEASF is gearing up to support and prepare the region's finest Squash athletes for this momentous event. The federation is dedicated to fostering a competitive environment, offering top-notch coaching, and ensuring that the athletes are in their best form when they represent their countries on the grand stage.

The significance of this announcement extends beyond the competition itself. It is a source of inspiration for aspiring Squash players across Southeast Asia. Young talents will have the opportunity to dream bigger, work harder, and aim for a place on the Squash courts of Aichi-Nagoya in 2026.

As Squash continues to gain prominence in the sporting world, SEASF is committed to nurturing the sport's development within Southeast Asia. The federation recognizes that the journey to the Asian Games will not only be about winning medals but also about promoting the values of sportsmanship, dedication, and fair play.

The inclusion of Squash in the 20th Asian Games is a testament to the sport's potential to captivate audiences and inspire individuals of all ages to take up this thrilling game. Squash's debut in the Asian Games will undoubtedly contribute to the overall growth and development of the sport in Southeast Asia and beyond.

SEASF and Squash enthusiasts across the region are eager to celebrate this momentous achievement. The path to Aichi-Nagoya 2026 promises to be an exciting one, with the Squash community rallying behind its athletes, eager to witness their incredible skills and sportsmanship on full display.

As we await the 20th Asian Games, let us celebrate this remarkable milestone and look forward to an unforgettable chapter in the history of Squash within Southeast Asia. The future is bright, and the stage is set for Squash to shine brightly on the continental platform.

The Exciting Hangzhou Squash Mixed Doubles 2023 was an electrifying tournament that brought together the world's best squash players in a unique and thrilling format. Held in the vibrant city of Hangzhou, China, the event showcased not only exceptional athletic abilities but also the spirit of camaraderie and teamwork in the sport of squash.

This prestigious tournament attracted top-notch mixed doubles pairs from all corners of the globe. Squash enthusiasts witnessed the skills and talents of players from countries like India, Malaysia, HongKong and many more. With a star-studded lineup, the competition promised to be intense and enthralling.

The tournament took place at the Hangzhou International Squash Center, a venue specially designed to host high-profile squash events. The center featured world-class courts and facilities, ensuring that players had the best possible environment to showcase their squash prowess.

The Exciting Hangzhou Squash Mixed Doubles followed a round-robin format, where each team played multiple matches against different opponents. The teams with the best records advanced to the knockout stage, leading to thrilling quarterfinals, semifinals, and the ultimate face-off in the finals.

What set this tournament apart was the mixed doubles format, where male and female players paired up to compete together. This added an extra layer of excitement and intrigue to the matches, as fans got to witness the seamless coordination and teamwork between male and female players, making for exhilarating rallies and stunning displays of skill.

Throughout the event, spectators were treated to extraordinary displays of athleticism and sportsmanship. The matches were characterized by lightning-fast rallies, precise shots, strategic plays, and dramatic comebacks. The crowd cheered passionately for their favorite players, creating an electric atmosphere in the squash center.

As the tournament progressed, the top two mixed doubles pairs emerged from the intense competition to face off in the finals. The finals showcased a captivating battle, with both teams leaving everything on the court to claim the coveted title of Exciting Hangzhou Squash Mixed Doubles Champions.

The winning team was honored in a grand award ceremony, where they received the prestigious trophy and the adoration of the fans. The players' hard work, dedication, and talent were acknowledged, and they celebrated their victory with joy and pride.

The Exciting Hangzhou Squash Mixed Doubles 2023 left a lasting impression on players and fans alike, as it not only celebrated the sport of squash but also promoted gender equality and the spirit of collaboration. The event highlighted Hangzhou's position as a thriving hub for international sports competitions and demonstrated the growing popularity of squash as a captivating spectator sport.

More information about the tournament can be accessed through this link:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Y0EB1xa0O7nB-Sq7_16ezA2jxq9zXf76?usp=drive_link 

PENANG: A total of 553 players participated in the tournament comprising five age groups for boys and girls. The PBA 18th Penang (Malaysian) Junior Open 2022 Squash Championships ended at the Nicol David International Squash Centre in Bukit Dumbar today.

Players from Malaysia, India, China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, England, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Chinese Taipei, USA, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Pakistan participated in the said event.

Squash Racquets Association of Penang (SRAP) vice-president Linda Geh said that their local junior players have benefited much from the international exposure and that they're happy with the achievements and will work harder to lift the girls’ standard. Overall, this was a great event which resumed after a lapse of two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The committee looks forward to organising the event in July next year to attract more participants. They hope with a better timing, so they can accommodate more international players.

She also thanked sponsors PBA, Penang Island City Council (MBPP), Penang State Sports Council, Dunlop, SRAM, the organising committee, helpers and the referees for their hard work in making the tournament a success.

RESULTS:

GIRLS:

Under-11: 1. Mahnoor Ali (Pak), 2. Avantikashrii Seenivasagam (Sel), 3. Nurul Nageena Abd Basir (Ked).

Under-13: 1. Chloe Lo Pui Yin (Hkg), 2. Jinoreeka Ning Manivannan (Prk), Naish Singh (Sin).

Under-15: 1. Whitney Isabelle Wilson (SRAM), 2. Ena Kwong (Hkg), 3. Cheung Tsz Ching (Hkg).

Under-17: 1. Doyce Lee Ye San (SRAM), 2. Anrie Goh Chu Yu (SRAM), 3. Gracia Chua (Sin).

Under-19: 1.  Sehveetrraa Kumar (SRAM), 2. Wai Sze Wing (Hkg), 3. Akari Midorikawa (Jpn).

BOYS:

Under-11: 1. Muhammad Ifwat Zulkifli (Per), Kaviysh Nathan (Sel), Vidhurran Ruthiran (Pg).

Under-13: 1. Muhammad Raziq Putra Fakhrur Razi (SRAM), 2. Simaver Singh Bamotra (Sel), 3. Toma Ikeda (Jpn).

Under-15: 1. Nickhileswar Moganasundharam (Pg), 2. Aqil Mirza Naim (SRAM), 3. Shu Takahashi (Jpn).

Under-17: 1. Low Wa-Sern (SRAM), 2. Harith Daniel Jefri (SRAM), 3. Tho Wei Yan (Pg).

Under-19: 1. Andrik Lim Kai Shan (SRAM), 2. Shamiel Haeyzad Shahrulhisam (NS) 3. Yujin Ikeda (Jpn).

Please see full results here: https://rankedin.com/en/tournament/13683/pba-18th-penang-malaysian-junior-open-2022/results 

The tournament is endorsed by Asian Squash Federation (ASF) as an Asian Junior Super Series Gold Event, with the participants (boys and girls) in the Under 11, 13, 15, 17 and 10 receiving ASF ranking points. It is also an annual ASF junior open tournament in the calendar of Singapore Squash Rackets Association.

More than 250 players from Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Philippines and India took part. This was held in Kallang Squash Centre in Singapore last December 13 to 18, 2022.

Please see full results here: https://rankedin.com/en/tournament/15830/oncocare-singapore-junior-open-2022/results 

Finals day at the REDtone KL junior Open saw a lot of competitive final matches especially at the glass court as most of the matches went the distance.

Harleein Tan won the Girls under 15s but after going two love up she was pulled back by Cheung Tsz Ching. The fifth was tight but Harleein had a couple of points gap and managed to secure the fifth 11.8.

The boys under 15s was a brutal match that lasted 83mins, the games all very evenly matched. Aqil Mirza won the opening game 14-12 but Altamis Sufian fought back to take the second 14-12. Aqil managed to sneak the third 11.8 but Altamis fought back for the fourth 11.9. The fifth was neck and neck all the way, Altamis had a match ball at 10.9 but couldn’t convert. Aqil fought back to win the next few rallies and seal the win 12.10 in the fifth.

In the Girls under 17s Ena Kwong looked very comfortable when she opened up a two game to love lead on Doyce Lee but the number one seed fought back to win the next three games all in very tight games. She managed to win the third 11.9, then the fourth 12.10 before sealing the fifth 11.8.

Na Jooyoung sealed the under 17s title defeating team mate Oh Seojin in three entertaining games. Both using all of the court and some wonderful attacking skills to treat the crowd.

In the Girls under 19s event Toby Tse Yee Lam sealed the girls under 19s title having to come from one game down to beat Whitney Isabelle Wilson. Having lost the opening game on a tie break Toby fought back to win the next three much to her delight.

Harith Danial won the boys under 19s title defeating teammate Andrik Lim in four games. Harith was the more proactive throughout the match and made the most of his chances.

Jinoreeka Ning Manivannan won the girls under 13s event beating Emelda Camalia in straight games.

Another brutal battle in the boys under 13s as Simarver Singh Bamotra managed to sneak an 11.9 win in the fifth against Jayden Louis.

Pakistans Muhammed Mamoon Khan beat Indias Ayaan Dhanuka in three games in the under 11s final with Hong Kongs Chiu Hau Ching beating Nurul Nageena Abd Basir winning the Girls under 11s.

In the boys under 9s Syed Muhammad Arash Adamsa Syed Mohd Rashidi was victorious beating Thoriq Yusuf Mohammad Nor Bakri in three games. In the Girls under 9s Rhea Renise Balasingam beat Chew Nuie in four close games.

Please see full results here: https://www.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/winners.aspx?id=75AAB7B1-8350-4ABA-8A16-350F6472C521 

The Jumbo Doubles leg of the SEA Cup Squash Championship began on December 5-7 in Singapore. The two most dominant Jumbo Doubles teams in Southeast Asia are the Philippines and the host nation of the competition, Singapore. Both countries were featured in the finals of all three divisions.

In the mixed doubles match, the 1st seeded hometown tandem of Marcus Phua and Ong Zhe Sim were odds on favorites to win. As expected, the Singaporeans had the edge over the Filipinos. Reymark Begornia and Lizette Reyes absorbed a straight-sets 6-15, 6-15 loss.

In the women’s match, it was expected to be a close affair in favor of the Filipinos but turned out to be a thriller. The top seed Filipino pair of Jemyca Aribado and Yvonne Ayssa Dalida started strong but faded against the Singaporean duo of Sherilyn Yang and Nicole Tong 15-8, 8-15, 13-15 in the battle for the women’s doubles gold.

The Philippines men’s pair of Robert Garcia and David William Pelino were Seeded No.1 and like their women counterparts have been a dominant pair in the region. The Filipinos came closest to securing a gold medal, putting up a big fight but eventually losing 13-15, 15-9, 13-15 to the Singaporean duo of Samuel Kang and Kojiro Tan in the men’s doubles best-of-3 finals.

The final day of the 7th Southeast Asian Championships 2023 had two ties for the Mixed Team event. One was in the morning and the other to decide the Champion in the evening.

The morning match was a placing match for the third-fourth position between Indonesia and Singapore. Although some of the matches were close yet Indonesia took the first three matches to seal the win over Singapore. 

The evening match between Malaysia and the Philippines, the top two seeds, was essentially the Championship game to determine the winner and runner-up. Repeats of the Finals Singles matches in which Aribado and Lee triumphed were played in two of the matches. For Wilson and Garcia, this rematch gave them the opportunity to redeem themselves.

In the first match between the No.1 ranked Men players, Duncan Lee Yung Yii, the Champion in the Men’s Singles event drew first blood by beating Robert Garcia of Philippines.

The top four female players took the court after them. The enthusiastic Filipino pair took the first set. The Malaysian team of Whitney Isabelle Wilson and Doyce Lee, who are younger and faster, quickly found their groove and won the match in three. The top seed women players were next on the court.

It was a hard fought five game match. In the opening game, Aribado got out to a strong start and quickly took the lead. However, Wilson fought back and comfortably won the second game thanks to a number of Aribado's unforced errors that enabled her get to a 1-1. The third game started off point-for-point before Aribado scored three straight points to win it. Wilson won the fourth game, which was also closely contested. The fifth was tense till the very end. The younger Wilson maintained her composure, but Jemyca narrowed the lead and took it to deuce. Aribado just managed to hold on and took the game on her third match point.

Motivated to close the match, Malaysia’s Muhammad Hafiz Zhafri Abdul Harif carried too much power to win comfortably in three. The first game was closely fought with Harif nudging ahead to win. He went on to take the second easily and finished the match for Malaysia to retain the coveted ‘SEA Cup’ title.

Please see full results here: https://rankedin.com/en/tournament/17388/seacup-2022-johor/results 

The 8th Annual General Meeing of the Southeast Asian Squash Federation was successfully concluded on 3rd of December 2022 in Johor, Malaysia. The face-to-face meeting was attended by representatives and observers from Member Federations.

Mr. Robert Bachmann, President of Southeast Asian Squash Federation, together with the members of his Executive Committee — Ms. Clementine Apacible (Secretary-General), Mr. Jose Mabilangan (Honorary Treasurer), and Ms. Aysah Dalida (Secretariat)— were present and shared SEASF's current situation and future plan.

The first joint hosting of our annual SEA Cup Championships will be held from 29 November to 3 December 2022 in Johor Bahru, Malaysia and from 5 to 7 December 2022 in Singapore. 

This 7th edition of the championships would see six of the seven member countries of the Southeast Asian Squash Federation (SEASF) participating. Participating are Brunei, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, co-host Singapore, and main host Malaysia. Myanmar will skip this year’s event.

The venue for the Championships will be Arena Emas Squash Center in Skudai, Johor, Malaysia for Singles and Mixed Team Events while all Jumbo Doubles Events will be played at The Tanglin Club, 5 Stevens Road, Singapore.

There will be six events at the Championships:  Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Mixed Team – 4 men and 3 women, Men’s Jumbo Doubles, Women’s Jumbo Doubles and Mixed Jumbo Doubles.

The Mixed Team event is the main event at these Championships and teams compete to capture the sought ’SEA Cup Challenge Trophy’. Malaysia is the defending champion and is Seeded 1 to retain the trophy. The Philippines (Seeded 2) was the Gold medalist in the Mixed Team event at the recent Southeast Asian Games, held in December 2019, in Manila, Philippines. They would be hoping to upset the Seeding.

Philippines players are Seeded 1 in both the Men and Women’s Singles, also in both the Men and Women's Jumbo Doubles, while Seeded 2 in the Mixed Jumbo Doubles. Their challenge in the singles events would come from Malaysia and from Singapore in the Jumbo Doubles events.

THE ever popular REDtone KL International Junior squash championships will be back in action after a hiatus of two years. No thanks to the Covid-19 Pandemic which saw the biggest junior squash event in Asia.

Now that the situation is back to normal, the organizers and the title sponsor REDtone are happy to see the tourney picking up momentum and riding high as can be gauged from the number of entries received.

The 14th edition has received 821 entries surpassing the 800-mark barrier, just like the previous edition. Total entries for 2019 were 860.

However, the number of countries dwindled from 20 previously to 14 this time around. Wales are making their debut.The others comprise regulars from Singapore, India, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, China, Pakistan, Eqypt, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia and hosts Malaysia.

The bulk of the participants come from Malaysia who will be represented by 664 players from all the states including the elite coming from SRAM Bukit Jalil Sports School. Selangor are highest with 176 players followed by Negri Sembilan (64) hosts Kuala Lumpur (55) and Penang (53).

Among the 157 foreigners, Singapore has the biggest number with 45 followed by Korea 32 and Hong Kong 28.

REDtone Group chief executive officer Lau Bik Soon said he was happy that this edition marks the 9th time REDtone has been the title sponsor for the prestigious event.

“It is especially meaningful for us as we emerge from the challenging period whereby the Covid-19 pandemic has forced most sporting events to be suspended since early 2020.

We are also happy to note that the tournament remains as one of the biggest junior events in Asia, a distinction it has held since 2013,“ said Lau, adding that he was happy working with the Squash Racquets Association of Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur partnership.

“We would like to express our thanks and gratitude to SRAFTKL for their steadfast commitment and determination in making the 14th edition a reality,“ said Lau.

SRAFT KL president and organising committee chairman Steven Kwan said he was truly delighted to see that the tournament has not lost its glamour.

“For the 4th year, it has become the Platinum event after being the biggest in Asia (Gold event) since 2013. We hope to see it grow further, added Kwan.

The tournament has made an impressive impact since 2014. Between 2014-2016, it broke the 600 mark while in 2017 & 2018 it smashed the 700 mark. Now for the 4th consecutive time, it has become a platinum event. The tourney which is sanctioned by the Asian Squash Federation (ASF) is the biggest event in Asia and second in the world after the US Junior Open.

The tourney is expected to be stiffly contested, with many top-ranked players vying for honours.

There will be six categories each in the Boys’ and Girls’ sections – Under-9, Under-11, Under-13, Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19. A total of 511 players will compete in the boys’ category and 312 in the girls’ section. The Boys’ Under-13 and Girls’ Under-15 recorded the highest number of entries with 133 and 78 players respectively.

There will be two venues used – Jalan Duta Squash Courts and Bukit Jalil Squash Courts. All the finals will be played at the Bukit Jalil Squash Courts. Members of the public can catch the tournament for free.

For the games schedule, please visit http://www.tournamentsoftware.com

Source: https://www.redtone.com/latest_news/record-breaking-feat-continues-to-maintain-the-biggest-junior-squash-event-in-asia/ 

21st Asian Team Championships have brought to a successful conclusion today at Cheongju, Korea. India won the Asian Men's Team Championship, while Hong Kong China crowned the Asian Women's Team Championship Title.

After beating Kuwait 2-0 in the finals, Indian Men's Team claimed its first-ever Asian Championship Title. The Women's Final between Hong Kong China and Malaysia is a repeat of last year, but Hong Kong China Women's Team got a revenge this year and beat Malaysia 2-1 to win the title.

Final Position of Men's Team Championship:

1st - India; 2nd - Kuwait; Co-3rd - Hong Kong, China; Co-3rd - Malaysia;

5th - Pakistan; 6th - Korea

7th - Japan; 8th - Iran; 9th - Singapore;

10th - Philippines; 11th - Chinese Taipei; 12th - Qatar

Final Position of Women's Team Championship:

1st - Hong Kong, China; 2nd - Malaysia; Co-3rd - India; Co-3rd - Korea;

5th - Japan, 6th - Iran;

7th - Singapore; 8th - Chinese Taipei

Please see full results here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1f5HnXd8AZDzGD9zm0o6Xzj16D60_QzlD/edit#gid=1872745116 

21st Asian Team Championships, which will start on 31 October till 4 November in Cheongju, Korea, have attracted 12 men's teams and 8 women's teams to participate.

“Over the years, with the increasing number of participating teams and the ascending level of the players, Asian Championships have become a significant event on both regional and the world squash calendar. With the dedication of the host Korea Squash Federation and the support of participating nations, I’m pleased that the 21st Asian Team Championships are able to be held as scheduled amid the pandemic pressure in early 2022," said Mr. David Mui MH JP, ASF's President, "I wish the Championships all the success, all participating teams and officials an enjoyable event in Korea.”

The matches will be streaming through Korea Squash Federation’s YouTuber channel, please visit this link to watch matches live:

 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwhOJVIixbc0uMn_vnDOoWg?reload=9&view_as=subscriber

Malaysia’s former World No.5 Low Wee Wern will play her first PSA World Tour event in over a year after recovering from knee surgery in time for the Malaysian Open Squash Championships 2022, following the release of the draws today.

The PSA World Tour Bronze-level tournament, which will take place from 22-26 November 2022 at the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, will be streamed by SQUASHTV for the first time. Egyptian former World Champion Tarek Momen is the top seed in the men’s draw and US No.2 Olivia Fiechter the top seed in the women’s.

Low, who has not played on the tour since the 2021 PSA World Championships, is set to play an all-Malaysian encounter in the opening round, with the 32-year-old facing wildcard Chan Yiwen for the opportunity to take on No.6 seed Farida Mohamed of Egypt in round two.

Elsewhere in the women’s draw, top seed and World No.11 Fiechter is predicted to win her first World Tour title. The 27-year-old American has enjoyed a strong start to the season, reaching the quarter-final stages of the Platinum-level CIB Egyptian Open, the Gold-level South Western Women’s Open and the Gold-level Grasshopper Cup.

Fiechter is seeded to play England’s Georgina Kennedy in the final on 26 November. Kennedy, who enjoyed a breakout 2021-22 season that culminated in a rise to World No.8 and a Commonwealth Games singles gold medal, will be hoping to kickstart the new season after struggling with injuries and illness.

Malaysia’s Aifa Azman, who stunned and delighted the home crowd by winning last year’s Bronze-level event as a wildcard, returns to Bukit Jalil to defend her title. The 20-year-old, now an established player on the tour and World No. 22, goes up against England’s Julianne Courtice for a place in the second round.

There are two more Malaysian players represented in the women’s draw, with World No.27 Rachel Arnold playing England’s Grace Gear and wildcard Yee Xin Ying facing Scotland’s Lisa Aitken in round one.

In the men’s draw, World No.7 Momen, winner of the 2019-20 World Championship, goes in as top seed and after receiving a bye in round one will face either Mahesh Mangaonkar of India or Patrick Rooney of England in round two.

Should the tournament go to seedings, Momen will face World No.11 Joel Makin of Wales in what would be a thrilling final.

Elsewhere in the men’s draw, maverick shot-maker and No.3 seed Mazen Hesham will back himself, while mercurial tactician and No.4 seed Marwan ElShorbagy could be one to watch after reaching the finals of the Open de France de Squash, the Oracle Netsuite Open and the Grasshopper Cup.

2019 champion and Malaysian No.1 Eain Yow Ng could represent the best chance for a home winner in the men’s event. The 24-year-old Kuala Lumpur native, who beat Switzerland’s Nicolas Mueller in the final of the 2019 30K event, takes on Ramit Tandon of India in the first round.

Ng is joined by two compatriots in the men’s draw, with wildcards Ivan Yuen and Addeen Idrakie facing the USA’s Todd Harrity and Egypt’s Omar Mosaad, respectively, in the first round.

All of the action from the Malaysian Open Squash Championships 2022 will be streamed live on SQUASHTV. You can stay up to date with anything related to the event by following the PSA on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.

Men’s First Round Draw: Malaysian Open Squash Championships 2022

[1] Tarek Momen (EGY) – [bye]

Mahesh Mangaonkar (IND) v [9/16] Patrick Rooney (ENG)

[9/16] Omar Mosaad (EGY) v [WC] Addeen Idrakie (MAS)

[8] Raphael Kandra (GER) – [bye]

[7] Nicolas Mueller (SUI) – [bye]

Yahya Elnawasany (EGY) v [9/16] Moustafa El Sirty (EGY)

[9/16] Todd Harrity (USA) v [WC] Ivan Yuen (MAS)

[4] Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY) – [bye]

[3] Mazen Hesham (EGY) – [bye]

Faraz Khan (USA) v [9/16] Karim El Hammamy (EGY)

[9/16] Mohamed ElSherbini (EGY) v Mazen Gamal (EGY)

[5] Gregoire Marche (FRA) – [bye]

[6] Miguel Rodriguez (COL) – [bye]

Bernat Jaume (ESP) v [9/16] Shahjahan Khan (USA)

[9/16] Eain Yow Ng (MAS) v Ramit Tandon (IND)

[2] Joel Makin (WAL) – [bye]

Women’s First Round Draw: Malaysian Open Squash Championships 2022

[1] Olivia Fiechter (USA) – [bye]

Cristina Gomez (ESP) v [9/16] Melissa Alves (FRA)

[9/16] Aifa Azman (MAS) v Julianne Courtice (ENG)

[5] Tesni Evans (WAL) – [bye]

[6] Farida Mohamed (EGY) – [bye]

[WC] Chan Yiwen (MAS) v [9/16] Low Wee Wern (MAS)

[9/16] Alexandra Fuller (RSA) v Ineta Mackevica (LAT)

[3] Tinne Gilis (BEL) – [bye]

[4] Nele Gilis (BEL) – [bye]

[WC] Yee Xin Ying (MAS) v [9/16] Lisa Aitken (SCO)

[9/16] Rachel Arnold (MAS) v Grace Gear (ENG)

[8] Nadine Shahin (EGY) – [bye]

[7] Joshna Chinappa (IND) – [bye]

Nour Aboulmakarim (EGY) v [9/16] Zeina Mickawy (EGY)

[9/16] Sana Ibrahim (EGY) v Yathreb Adel (EGY)

[2] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) – [bye]

More information about the tournament can be accessed through this link: https://www.psaworldtour.com/tournament/malaysia-open-squash-championships-2022/

Source: https://www.psaworldtour.com/news/malaysian-open-draws-released-low-to-return-after-year-out-as-momen-and-fiechter-headline/

The draws for the MARIGOLD Singapore Squash Open have been released. World No.1 Paul Coll and Oracle NetSuite Open winner Amanda Sobhy will be the top seeds for the PSA World Tour Gold level competition.

The tournament, which will take place from 15th to 20th November at the OCBC Arena in Singapore, will be the biggest-ever squash event to be hosted in the Asian nation, with 15 top 10 players across the men’s and women’s events taking part.

“An event of this stature is a boost to the local squash community,” said Patrick Thio, president of the Singapore Squash Rackets Association (SSRA), in a media release.

“In addition to the thrilling displays of squash, there will also be clinics and opportunities for interaction with these athletes. We hope the action on and off the court will be a source of inspiration to our young squash athletes in their pursuit of sporting excellence.”

After taking the World No.1 spot for a second time on Monday 3rd October, Coll will be the top seed for the men’s draw. After a first round bye, he will face either Malaysia’s Eain Yow Ng or Indian No.1 Saurav Ghosal in the second round before a potential meeting with Welshman Joel Makin in the last eight.

The Kiwi could then face 2019 World Champion Tarek Momen or World No.3 Mostafa Asal in the semi-finals, before yet another meeting with World No.2 Ali Farag in the final, with the pair seeded to go all the way to the finale of the competition.

Farag could come up against old foe Mohamed ElShorbagy, who has already claimed the QTerminals Qatar Classic and Oracle NetSuite Open titles this season, in the quarter-finals. A potential meeting with Peru’s Diego Elias, the World No.4, awaits in the semis for the former World No.1.

US No.1 and World No.4 Sobhy will lead the way in the women’s draw, and she will face either Scotland’s Lisa Aitken or Egypt’s Nadine Shahin in the second round. The three-time Oracle NetSuite Open champion could then face compatriot Olivia Fiechter in the quarter finals.

Sobhy could then come up against World No.6 Nour El Tayeb or World No.8 Rowan Elaraby in the semi-finals, before being seeded to meet New Zealand’s Joelle King in the final.

King will be the No.2 seed for the competition and could face Belgium’s Tinne Gilis in the quarter-finals, before a meeting with either of England’s top two, as Sarah-Jane Perry and Georgina Kennedy are seeded to meet in the last eight.

The MARIGOLD Singapore Squash Open will feature two wildcards, both of which will be playing on home soil. Au Yeong Wai Yhann will take on Hollie Naughton in the women’s event, while Samuel Kang will battle with German No.1 Raphael Kandra in the men’s draw.

“It will be a very special experience, and not only because our friends and family can be present to watch us play,” said five-time national champion Au Yeong. “It gives them a glimpse of what we train for as national athletes: the chance to compete at the top levels of our sport. We’re working hard so that we can give our best performance next month.”

More information about the tournament can be accessed through this link: https://www.psaworldtour.com/tournament/marigold-singapore-squash-open-2022/ 

Source:  https://thesquashsite.com/singapore-open-2022 

PENANG: A total of 553 players participated in the tournament comprising five age groups for boys and girls. The PBA 18th Penang (Malaysian) Junior Open 2022 Squash Championships ended at the Nicol David International Squash Centre in Bukit Dumbar today.

Players from Malaysia, India, China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, England, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Chinese Taipei, USA, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Pakistan participated in the said event.

Squash Racquets Association of Penang (SRAP) vice-president Linda Geh said that their local junior players have benefited much from the international exposure and that they're happy with the achievements and will work harder to lift the girls’ standard. Overall, this was a great event which resumed after a lapse of two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The committee looks forward to organising the event in July next year to attract more participants. They hope with a better timing, so they can accommodate more international players.

She also thanked sponsors PBA, Penang Island City Council (MBPP), Penang State Sports Council, Dunlop, SRAM, the organising committee, helpers and the referees for their hard work in making the tournament a success.

RESULTS:

GIRLS:

Under-11: 1. Mahnoor Ali (Pak), 2. Avantikashrii Seenivasagam (Sel), 3. Nurul Nageena Abd Basir (Ked).

Under-13: 1. Chloe Lo Pui Yin (Hkg), 2. Jinoreeka Ning Manivannan (Prk), Naish Singh (Sin).

Under-15: 1. Whitney Isabelle Wilson (SRAM), 2. Ena Kwong (Hkg), 3. Cheung Tsz Ching (Hkg).

Under-17: 1. Doyce Lee Ye San (SRAM), 2. Anrie Goh Chu Yu (SRAM), 3. Gracia Chua (Sin).

Under-19: 1.  Sehveetrraa Kumar (SRAM), 2. Wai Sze Wing (Hkg), 3. Akari Midorikawa (Jpn).

BOYS:

Under-11: 1. Muhammad Ifwat Zulkifli (Per), Kaviysh Nathan (Sel), Vidhurran Ruthiran (Pg).

Under-13: 1. Muhammad Raziq Putra Fakhrur Razi (SRAM), 2. Simaver Singh Bamotra (Sel), 3. Toma Ikeda (Jpn).

Under-15: 1. Nickhileswar Moganasundharam (Pg), 2. Aqil Mirza Naim (SRAM), 3. Shu Takahashi (Jpn).

Under-17: 1. Low Wa-Sern (SRAM), 2. Harith Daniel Jefri (SRAM), 3. Tho Wei Yan (Pg).

Under-19: 1. Andrik Lim Kai Shan (SRAM), 2. Shamiel Haeyzad Shahrulhisam (NS) 3. Yujin Ikeda (Jpn).

Please see full results here: https://rankedin.com/en/tournament/13683/pba-18th-penang-malaysian-junior-open-2022/results 

KUCHING: More than 350 players from 10 countries are taking part in the 6th CMS Borneo Junior Open that commenced at the Sarawak Squash Centre, Jalan Diplomatik in Petra Jaya on Wednesday.

The players are from Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Singapore, the US, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and host Malaysia. Organizing chairperson Lucy Read was amazed with the overwhelming response, saying that it was unexpected. “We were surprised by the huge number of entries after a two-year break. We hope that the players will have a great tournament,” she told The Borneo Post when met at the competition venue. “We also hope that the players, coaches, officials and accompanying family members can take some time to enjoy our Sarawak food, culture and heritage while here in Kuching,” she added.

The organiser had originally received 406 entries for the five-day tournament but some had withdrew due to one reason or another. According to Lucy, who is also Squash Racquet Association of Sarawak (SRAS) president, the CMS Borneo Junior Open is the first international junior squash tournament organised by SRAS in the post Covid-19 pandemic.

The tournament is endorsed by Asian Squash Federation (ASF) as an Asian Junior Super Series Gold Event, with the participants (boys and girls) in the Under 11, 13, 15, 17 and 10 receiving ASF ranking points. It is also an annual ASF junior open tournament in the calendar of Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia and ASF.

The first edition of CMS Borneo Junior Open was held in Miri with 195 participants, followed by the second (233), third (234), fourth (288) and fifth (326) all held in Kuching. This year’s tournament attracted 329 players from Malaysia including 84 Sarawakians, 17 from Singapore, 12 from India, 10 from Pakistan, eight from Indonesia, two each from South Korea and the Philippines and one each from Japan, Sri Lanka and the US.

Source:  https://www.pressreader.com/malaysia/the-borneo-post/20220909/282355453578324

Hangzhou Squash Championships, co-organised by Hangzhou Squash Association and Hangzhou International EXPO Centre was held 2 – 3 July at Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Squash Court. It is the first official squash competition held at this centre, where the squash courts were specially built for the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou.

“The 4D Exhibition Hall of Hangzhou International EXPO Centre was made over into Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Squash Court, which will be used for the Squash Event of Hangzhou Asian Games. We are very happy to host the first squash competition in this newly built Squash Court,” said Ms. Tang Xue, General Manager of Hangzhou International EXPO Centre cum Secretary General of Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Squash Court, “the Championships besides serves the purpose of testing the venue and the courts, it also acts as a trial run to prepare the venue management team and competition organising team for a smooth running of the squash event in the coming Hangzhou Asian Games.”

With area of 9,504m2, Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Squash Court consists of 8 all-glass squash courts (1 Finals court that can accommodate 1,075 spectator seats, 3 doubles courts and 4 single courts), that are built by the ASF and WSF accredited CGG Sports Facilities Engineering Co., Ltd..

“I would like to congratulate Hangzhou Squash Association and Hangzhou International EXPO Centre on organising the successful championships at the state-of-the-art Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Squash Court. With the positive and encouraging feedbacks from the participants on the incredible venue and the management team, I have great confidence in a successful staging of the squash event in the coming Hangzhou Asian Games,” said Mr. David Mui, MH, JP, the ASF President.

The 29th Asian Junior Individual Championships have come to a successful conclusion at Pattaya, Thailand on Sunday, 19 June 2022.

“I would like to congratulate all the winners and participating nations. Congratulations would also go to Thailand Squash Rackets Association and all the officials, referees, and helpers, who made the Championships a successful and wonderful event," said Mr. David Mui MH JP, ASF's President.

Results of 29th Asian Junior Individual Championships:

Boys Under 19:
Champion - Noor Zaman (PAK)
1st Runner-up - Joachim Chuah (MAS)
2nd Runner-up - Andrik Shan (MAS) / Ameeshenraj Chandaran (MAS)

Girls Under 19:
Champion - Aira Azman (MAS)
1st Runner-up - Kirstie Wong (HKG)
2nd Runner-up - Ying Yee Xin (MAS) / Wong Heng Wai (MAS)

Boys Under 17:
Champion - Jooyoung Na (KOR)
1st Runner-up - Low Wa Sern (MAS)
2nd Runner-up - Sharan Punjabi (INA) / Harith Danial (MAS)

Girls Under 17:
Champion - Akari Midorikawa (JPN)
1st Runner-up - Xuan Goh Zhi (MAS)
2nd Runner-up - Valerie Huang (HKG) / Tiana Parasrampuria (IND)

Boys Under 15:
Champion - N. Moganasundharam (MAS)
1st Runner-up - Aqil Mirza Fariz (MAS)
2nd Runner-up - Altamis Sufian (MAS) / Jonghyeok Lee (KOR)

Girls Under 15:
Champion - Anahat Singh (IND)
1st Runner-up - Ena Kwong (HKG)
2nd Runner-up - Whitney Wilson (MAS) / Cheung Tsz Ching (HKG)

Boys Under 13:
Champion - Wei Sim Yeak (MAS)
1st Runner-up - Raziq Razi (MAS)
2nd Runner-up - Lokesh Subramani (IND) / Shiven Agarwal (IND)

Girls Under 13:
Champion - Harleein Tan (MAS)
1st Runner-up - Chloe Lo (HKG)
2nd Runner-up - Yek Rui Jean (MAS) / Anika Dubey (IND)

The 29th Asian Junior Individual Championships will start on 15 June and till 19 June in Pattaya, Thailand after a two-year halt of the Asian Junior Individual Championships due to COVID, the 29th Asian Junior Individual Championships, hosted by Thailand Squash Rackets Association, attracted over 200 junior players of age under 19 from 14 member nations to participate.

"I would like to thank the Thailand Squash Rackets Association and all participating nations. Their passion, dedication, and support allow the Championships to be held as scheduled. I would especially thank Mr. Chalitrat Chandarubeksa, President of TSRA and also the Chairman of the Championships Organising Committee, and his team for all the preparation work. Appreciation would also be given to Mr. Akarin Hiranprueck, Championship Director, who has been working hard to ensure all players and officials will have a safe and enjoyable event," said Mr. David Mui MH JP, the ASF's President.

"I wish the championships all the success, all players, officials, and supporters enjoy the event in Pattaya, which is a lovely place. ."

Please click here for the updated draws and results of the 29th Asian Junior Individual Championships.

In view of the uncertain pandemic situation in Korea and the push back of the Covid relaxation plan of the Korean Government, ASF Executive Committee, after thorough discussion with the host Korea Squash Federation, decided to postpone the 21st Asian Team Championships to 31 October to 4 November 2022. We will keep communicating with KSF for any update information.

Former world champion squash player Datuk Nicol David has been annointed as the World Games Greatest Athlete of All Time. The 37-year-old Penangite claimed the honour after obtaining the most number of votes in the final round of 10 athletes after the world-wide poll closed at 9pm Malaysian time.

Nicol, the only Asian athlete shortlisted for the award, picked up a massive 318,945 votes.

Tug of war athlete James Kehoe of Ireland notched 113,120 votes while powerlifter Larysa Soloviova of Ukraine garnered 80,790 votes.

Nicol led the field when the second and final phase of voting which started on Jan 21, where only the top 10 candidates – who keep all of their votes thus far – remained in the process.

Altogether, 23 past and present athletes representing various sports from all editions of the World Games’ 40-year history were selected for the worldwide poll.

All in all, 1,204,637 votes were cast during the poll.

Nicol called time on her illustrious career in 2019 after winning eight world titles between 2005 to 2014.

She spent an unprecedented nine years at the pinnacle of the women’s squash world rankings between 2006 and 2015, as well as winning 81 professional titles.

Extracted from The Star.