KUALA LUMPUR – There will be an all-Malaysian quarter-final in the Asian qualifiers for the World Squash Championships tomorrow after Bryan Tze and Ong Sai Hung pulled off upsets in their respective first-round matches today.
Sai Hung squared off against tournament fourth-seed Matthew Lai from Hong Kong and won 9-11, 11-8, 7-11, 11-5, 11-7 in 64 minutes.
“It has been a while since I played Matthew, I had never lost to him in my junior days and in seniors this is the first time I’ve played him.
“I’m really happy to beat him in the first round as this is a good draw for me and I am happy I took the opportunity to advance to the quarter-finals.
“I will play Bryan tomorrow. It won’t be easy but I think he is a good match for me.
“I’m eager and hungry to make it to the World Championships as it would be my first time,” said the 25-year-old.
Meanwhile, Bryan defeated tournament fifth-seed Wong Chi-him, also from Hong Kong, 4-11, 11-6, 11-7, 12-10 in just under an hour to book his spot in the next round.
“I got my game plan right, I was nervous at first and then I just got back and reset. It worked as I ended up winning in four (sets).
“I lost to Sai Hung in five sets last year, it was close… I’m pretty confident now (playing against him). I will rest, stay calm and play my game tomorrow,” said the 28-year-old. – April 18, 2024