| Fadhil Yunus |
MOHD Saiful Rizal bin Mohd Ali emerged winner in the men’s individual open final of the Brunei Squash Racket Association (BSRA) Squash Tournament 2018 after defeating Pengiran Anak Hasnan bin Pengiran Anak Haji Rozanan in a 3-0 straight-set win (11-9, 11-4, 11-7) at the Squash Centre of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex last night.
Catherine Carter clinched the women’s individual open title after defeating Hamidah Ismail 3-0 (11-4, 11-6, 11-8), held last Friday.
Abang Md Huzairie bin Abang Md Ali sealed third place in the men’s individual open after beating Dzulazmi bin Haji Abdul Mutalib 3-1 (7-11, 11-7, 11-8, 12-10).
The tournament was held for the first time after the establishment of the BSRA’s new committee on April 1, 2018. The tournament is part of their goal to revive squash in Brunei Darussalam besides scouting for young talent for their Development Program.
BSRA men’s individual open winner Mohd Saiful Rizal has revealed that his final opponent Pengiran Anak Hasnan was more superior in terms of skill adding that endurance and fitness was key in unlocking the opponent.
“In terms of match experience, Pengiran Anak Hasnan is more experienced as he had represented Brunei Darussalam in many competitions. To play against him, I hoped that I could edge him through better endurance and fitness,” said Mohd Saiful Rizal in an interview with the Bulletin.
“In terms of skill, Pengiran Anak Hasnan is a more skilled player. After he played in the semi-finals, there might be a lack of recovery which may be the reason why the slump in his performance.”
Despite the straight-set win, Mohd Saiful Rizal heaped praise to Pengiran Anak Hasnan who he indicated had a better package in the sport.
“But in terms of stroke, I admit that it is his game. In squash, you need fitness and endurance although you have the skills,” added the winner.
Meanwhile, women’s singles winner Catherine Carter admitted both players were nervous in the final though she had gained a slight edge.
“I’m very pleased to have won and I’m very pleased that the BSRA organised the competition. There were so many people coming out and playing from all over Brunei,” Catherine told the Bulletin.
She also expressed her gratitude to the organisers for hosting a good tournament, which has achieved part of their vision to revive squash as former squash players returned to the national scene.
“We have had tournaments in Brunei before but it has gone quiet,” added Catherine.
“I think Hamidah didn’t play her best game. I think she was nervous and it was the first time she’s been in the final. We both had a few nerves and fortunately I got the better of her.”
The tournament has also spotted a young local talent and will be absorbed in their Development Programme. The player will be further trained and groomed to be ready to represent Brunei regionally and internationally.
Guest of honour YB Haji Abdul Hamid @ Sabli bin Haji Arshad, a Legislative Council member presented the prizes.
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