Malaysia Claim Asian Double After Top Seeds Upsets

Malaysia clinched a sensational double at the Asian Team Championships after taking down the top seeds in both the men's and women's finals at the Bukit Jalil National Squash Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

The Malaysian women were in great form as they reclaimed the Asian Team title from Hong Kong.

Malaysia, who are record nine-time winners of the women's competition, put the painful memory of failing to reach the final at the 2018 edition well behind them as they clinched a 2/1 win over the top-seeded defending champions.

It was certainly redemption, both for the team and for captain Rachel Arnold (pictured) in particular.

The world No 39 had put in a woeful performance during the semi-finals as she was beaten in straight games by Japan's Satomi Watanabe.

There was no mistake this time however as Rachel came on court first and clinched an impressive 11-6, 8-11, 11-7, 11-2 over Liu Tsz Ling.

Hong Kong however struck back as the experienced Tong Tsz Wing proved too strong for Ainaa Amani in an 11-8, 11-6, 6-11, 11-9 win.

Malaysia were however counting on Malaysian Open winner Aifa Azman to deliver.

And the 19-year-old Kedahan, fresh from reaching a career high No 36 in the world, was dependable as ever as she delivered a commanding 11-4, 11-3, 11-6 win over world No 40 Ho Tze Lok.

It was an impressive result by the Malaysian women who are missing two of their best players in world No 29 Sivasangari Subramaniam and former world No 5 Low Wee Wern who is recovering from a knee surgery earlier this year.

"It's really nice to have a team meet and do well too because it's been a while since we played a team event," said Rachel.

"It's a nice feeling and it's nice to have team effort and it's also a good change of pace compared to individual competition.

"Personally, I was really disappointed with myself after the semi-finals. I tried not to think about it and I'm glad I did much better today.

"It was really tough coming back on in the first match after a tough defeat but the team really helped me through it."

Said Aifa, "It was definitely a tough match but Rachel did well and Ainaa also fought hard.

"Rachel's win really eased the pressure and I went in there knowing I needed to start strong and I didn't give Hong Kong any chance to comeback.

"I'm definitely very happy to get the win for the team because I was feeling a little tired after the Malaysian Open and I started the competition not playing as well as I should."

With the win, the Malaysian women have now won the Asian team meet a record 10 times.

Buoyed by the women's success, the men's team stepped up when it really mattered as they fought hard for a 2/1 win over top seeds India.

World No 18 Ng Eain Yow gave Malaysia a flying start as he delivered his best performance of the week to beat world No 15 and Malaysian Open winner Saurav Ghosal 12-10, 11-4, 11-8.

India were however not going down without a fight and Mahesh Mangaonkar equalised by beating Syafiq Kamal 11-9, 11-7, 11-8.

And the 31-year-old Ivan showed just why he's a dependable anchor for the team as he kept his focus to beat Ramit Tandon 11-8, 8-11, 11-3, 11-1.

"It was never easy playing in the decider as India are a very experienced team as well," said Ivan.

"Today the team just went in there to play our game and to fight for every point and I definitely played to the best I could.

"I had my injury concerns earlier this year but I am so glad that I have managed to sort that out.

"I'm just grateful that I have managed to overcome that and come back stronger and everything is definitely going right for us now."

The win is Malaysia's fourth men title but their first since 2008.

It is also the first time since 2008 that Malaysia did the double in the Asian team meet.