Egyptians just too good

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 9 (Bernama) -- Malaysia once again failed in their fourth attempt to clinch the Women's World Junior Squash Team Championship title after losing 0-2 to defending champions Egypt in the final at the Nicol David Arena, National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil, here, today.

It was Malaysia's third defeat to Egypt in the final, having lost twice  by the same margin in  the finals of the 2007 and 2017 editions.

Malaysia also lost 1-2 to England in the final of  the 2001 edition.

In today's action, three-time British Junior Open winner, Aifa Azman seemed to be on top of her game after taking a 11-6 lead against Hania El Hammamy, but the latter, who is the newly-crowned world junior champion, found her rhythm in the next three sets to close off the first tie with a 11-6, 11-9 and 11-3 victory.

World number 50, Farida Mohamed sealed the winning point for Egypt after earning a hard-fought 11-9, 8-11, 4-11, 11-9 and 11-4 against Ainaa Ampandi in the second tie, to give the world squash powerhouse their ninth title in the history of the tournament.

For the record, Egypt have won the tournament  in 1999, 2003, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2017.

The Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir, presented the championship trophy to Egypt players.

Speaking afterwards, national squash squad assistant head coach, Andrew Cross said, he was extremely pleased with the performance of his charges, especially Ainaa who put up a stiff fight against Farida before going down go the lanky Egyptian.

"I think the girls' have done their job tremendously. We were very close and it would be nice if it  had gone to the decider.

"Overall, I'm happy with what we have achieved in this tournament, compared to the previous edition where we lost with a 3-0 scoreline in the team event," added the Englishman.

Echoeing his sentiments was Egypt’s national junior team coach, Ahmed Effat who was delighted with his charges' performance in the tournament.

For the record, Egypt won the men's and women's individual category through Mostafa Asal and Hania.

"The squad underwent  three months of intensive training prior to this tournament and I'm happy that we did it in both  the individuals and teams event.

"The boys and girls would will take a one-week long vacation in our country before continuing training to prepare for future tournaments," added Effat, who has churned out several Egyptian squash stars including two-time world junior champion, Rowan Elaraby.

Results:

Final: Egypt bt Malaysia 2-0

3/4th placing: Hong Kong and England were announced as joint third placing winner

5/6th placing: India bt USA 2-1

7/8th placing: Switzerland bt Australia 2-0

9/10th placing: Canada bt France 2-1

11/12th placing: New Zealand bt South Africa 2-0

13/14th placing: Japan bt Sweden 2-0

15/16th placing: South Korea bt Ireland 2-1

-- BERNAMA