Malaysia clinch mixed team title at World University Squash Championship

Malaysia created history when for the first time they won the mixed team title in the World University Squash Championship after defeating Hong Kong 2-1 at the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil, here today.

It has been a 10-year wait for the coveted title since the championship was introduces in 1996.

Sanjay Singh Chal who played the third match overcame Hong Kong's Wong Chi Him for Malaysia's winning point after the tie was 1-1 after two matches.

Ivan Yuen who played the first match was defeated by Yip Tsz Fung in straight sets of 11-6, 11-8 and 11-9.

However, Malaysia managed to bounce back to level the tie when Low Wee Wern, defeated Tong Tsz Wing, 11-5, 11-4 and 11-5 in a 32-minute match.

In the third match, Sanjay had to play five sets in order to bring home another gold medal for Malaysia.

He started with a brilliant victory in the first set 11-8 but lost the next two sets, 4-11 and 1-11.

Sanjay's determination to snatch the title lifted up his spirits to win the fourth and fifth sets in 11-9 and 11-7.

"I felt the pressure as the third player who would determine whether our team win the title or not. Although I won the first set.... I lost the second and third sets.

"During the break before starting the fourth set, my coach, Beng Hee said: 'What are you doing? If you really want to play this match, you have to show that you deserve to play in this court and playing for Malaysia, do or die," Sanjay told reporters after the match.

"The victory had ensured the hosts to won the championship for the first time in its history.

"Personally, I feel the performance of the team was very good ...as all players played to their best," he said.

In this year's edition, the national team managed to win two gold through the women's single (Wee Wern) and the mixed team, one silver in the men's singles (Ivan) and a bronze also through the women's single (Nazihah Hanis Abd Razak).