KUALA LUMPUR: Duncan Lee continued his giant killing act to win his first national men’s title while Aira Azman bagged her third consecutive women’s crown at the National Squash Championships in Penang today.
Sabahan Duncan, ranked world No. 130, stunned world No. 68 and top seed Sanjay Jeeva 11-9, 11-8, 11-8 in 48 minutes at the Nicol David International Squash Centre.
In the semi-finals, third seed Duncan had upset world No. 87 and second seed C. Ameeshenraj 11-8, 11-6, 11-5.
National No. 3 and world No. 27 Aira came back from a game down to beat her elder sister Aifa 8-11, 11-5, 9-11, 11-6, 11-8. Last year Aira also beat Aifa in the final,
Duncan, 23, who won the Sea Cup in Bangkok last month, said it was an incredible moment for him to win the national title. “Against Sanjay, I managed to stick to my game plan and make him run all over the court.” My target this year is to break into world top 100.”
Aira, 20, said: “I faced a really tough challenge from Aifa who was leading 2-1 after three games.”
Aira was also happy for her elder sister Aika for winning the Division One title in the National Championships. Aika beat Nurul Nisa Nasuha Nazir 11-3, 11-5, 11-7 in the final.
Results: Men’s Premier Division: Duncan Lee bt Sanjay Jeeva 11-9, 11-8, 11-8; Division One: Jess Tay bt Praviin Jeeva 11-4, 7-11, 11-7, 11-9; Division Two: Choy Min Hon bt Sheikh Darwish Nazri 13-11, 11-4, 12-10
Women’s Premier Division: Aira Azman bt Aifa Azman 8-11, 11-5, 9-11, 11-6, 11-8; Division One: Aika Azman bt Nurul Nisa Nasuha Nazir 11-3, 11-5, 11-7. Division Two: Yashica Jiwa Mohan bt Nurul Nisa Najihah Nazir 11-9, 11-6, 11-9
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
