KUALA LUMPUR – The 2016 FISU World University Squash Championship started full swing in Kuala Lumpur with all student-athletes in action in the men’s and women’s individual tournaments. This 9th edition has 43 male and 23 female, a total of 66 competitors that are coming from 48 different universities around the world.
The illustrious Nicol David National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil, where the new World University Champion’s will be crowned, started gearing up with top seeds Tsz Fung Yip (HGK) and Low Wee Wern (MAS) in action throughout the day. The top eight men’s seed passed through to the final sixteen with various 9/16 seeds losing out. China is causing surprise with two female players beating 5/8 seeded opponents to reach the quarter-finals.
Wang JUNJIE (CHN), left, defeated Robert PALMER (AUS) in 11-9, 11-8.
Wang Junjie’s first foray into WUSC 2016
Rookie Wang Junjie of China is keeping his spirits up as he smoothly nailed the 1st round against Robert Palmer of Australia at WUSC 2016 with a score of 11-9, 11-8. In a game which ended in half and hour; with minor disputes from the Australian counterpart, Wang executed the sharp shots needed to enable him to move to the 2nd round tomorrow.
In a nation of 1.4 billion, more known for more its prowess in badminton and table tennis, Wang is seen as a torch bearer for a country that is seeking to expand its global sporting horizons. “A lot has been done for athletes in China and there is no prouder feeling to represent my country in squash. Recently I competed in the National Squash Championship which was held in my country and now I have the opportunity to compete professionally for my university here in Malaysia. We hope to bring back a medal to China in this championship.” With a strong team of 15 members; China has a potential to be a promising global force in the world game in the years to come.
Jennifer HAILEY (GBR), left, lost out to top seed Low Wee WERN (MAS) in 11-7, 11-3, 11-5.
Low Wee Wern bounces back in style
First seed and Malaysia’s rising star, Low Wee Wern bounced back from a disappointing first round exit at the China Open last week, with a comprehensive 11-7, 11-3, 11-5 win over Jennifer Catherine Hailey in the opening round of the WUSC 2016.
Wee Wern, who is touted as Malaysia’s best hopes to end a gold medal drought lasting a decade for a gold medal at WUSC, only needed 29’ to outclass her opponent from Great Britain. “We haven’t won a gold medal for the last 10 years. Hoping to win the gold medal for Malaysia. “For the team event, we have a pretty strong team, Ivan (Yuen), Sanjay (Singh), Addeen Idrakie. I just came back from China where I didn’t do very well, so I’m hoping to bounce back from the disappointment (here),” added the world number 30.
For the record, Malaysia’s last success at the WUSC was delivered by Lim Yoke Wah in the women’s individual event in Szeged, Hungary.
RESULTS
The event results can be followed here.
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