9th WUC Squash – Overview Day 4 Individual Finals

KUALA LUMPUR – In what was a closely fought final, Malaysia’s ‘tigress’, Low Wee Wern managed to down second seed, Tsz Wing Tong from Hong Kong (3-1) and ended the decade old wait for gold for the hosts in the women individual event of the World University Squash Championship (WUSC) 2016 at the Nicol David Arena, Bukit Jalil today. 

This is the first time that Malaysia is lifting the individual title in this championship since Lim Yoke Wah’s exploits in Szeged, Hungary 2006.

Each match went the full distance to provide the just setting for a grand finale for the individual women’s event. 

“This is about the best you would have asked for in a final. We waited for a decade to bring back gold and I am happy Wee Wern played her best and it’s a proud moment for Malaysia’s tournament,” said Sharon Wee, Malaysia’s national coach. 

She could not have put it more aptly. It was a nail biting contest right through. The women’s singles was played first, and Low Wee Wern’ win would have put the nation in dreamland –  this talented player showed her fighting qualities after the Hong Kong player clawed back from the 2nd game to beat Wee Wern, 11-3, 8-11, 11-3, 11-8 in 49 minutes. 

Finally it was a test of resolve and Wee Wern came up trumps with her steely resolve and never say die attitude. “I’m feeling good for the country managed to end Malaysia’s wait for a gold medal in 2006. The situation demanded careful play and against a resilient Tong who has shown good ability to adapt to situations in this championship. I had to be sharp. Tong gave me a good fight in this final.”

It was also a double celebration for her team mate, Nazihah Hanis Abd Razak, who succumbed to injuries to Wee Wern in yesterday’s all Malaysian affair, as she was

awarded the bronze alongside the other losing semi-finalist, Nada Mohamed Mahmoud Moha Elkalaawy from Great Britain.

Honours were even at the finale of the individual event of this Championship as Malaysia and Hong Kong bagged one gold a piece after the conclusion of the singles event today.

Women’s Medal Podium

With a win each in the men’s event for Hong Kong through Tsz Fung Yip from Hong Kong and Low Wee Wern (women’s event), the stage is set for these two countries to go head to head for the team event crown beginning tomorrow which will decide the title of overall champions of WUSC 2016.

Local hero, buoyed by an expectant crowd after Wee Wern’s victory, Ivan Yuen was expected to secure a second gold to complete a remarkable double for the hosts but alas it was not to be as Fung Yip secured a comfortable, 11-3, 11-9, 11-4 in 34 minutes.

Fung Yip was in his element, using his clear physical advantage to unsettle Ivan who was never in the contest.

“It’s all going well so far for me and my team in the WUSC. We’ll see how it goes in the team event tomorrow,” he said.

Both losing semi-finalists, Wong Chi Him from Hong Kong and Joshua Masters from Great Britain were awarded the bronze.

For second seed, Ivan, it’s back to the drawing board for the Universiti Putra Malaysia student who will most likely be up against Fung Yip in the final.

Hosts, Malaysia, the second seeds received a bye and are due to play the winners of the Switzerland and China match in quarter finals. First seeds, Hong Kong have also received a bye and will play the winners of the Australia vs Pakistan match in the last eight.

(Source: WUC Squash OC 2016)

Men’s Medal Podium

RESULTS

The event results can be followed .