SIBU: Kuching’s Jess Tay made it all look too easy when he convincingly beat teammate Samuel Law 11-6, 11-3, 11-8 in the final to lift the title of the Boys’ U18 Sarawak Inter-division Schools Squash Championship yesterday.
The 18-year-old student from SMK Stampin stamped his superiority in a match that was almost lopsided.
Samuel, however, appeared to be on a brink of a fightback in the third frame when he managed to secure two points to narrow the gap to 6-10.
However, it was all he could muster as the experience and the mental strength of Jess gave him the edge and confidence over Samuel. In the end, Samuel had to concede defeat. The third and fourth placing went to Devon Kong and Anderson Yong.
In the Girls’ U18 category, Kuching’s Michelle Wong Cheong Mei lived to her top billing when she won the title after fending off a stiff challenge from teammate Vivien Yeo. It was a tough battle for supremacy before Michelle overpowered Vivien 11-9, 11-7, 11-6.
Both Michelle and Vivien are in the state’s squash back-up squad being groomed to take over the mantle once the seniors retire.
The third and fourth placing went to Emily Law of Kuching and Sibu’s sole representative, Agnes Lau respectively. Only four players took part in this category.
In the Boys’ U15, Kuching’s Marcus Sim had an easy 11-4, 11-3, 11-4 victory over Miri’s Ma Teck Leck to win the crown.
The third and fourth placing went to Alvin Kong from Sibu and Denhelm Tan of Kuching.
A total of eight players from throughout the state took part in this category.
In the Girls’ U15, Miri players, spearheaded by Danielle Wee achieved almost a clean sweep in the category. Danielle beat teammate Jean Wong Zhi Xuan 13-11, 9-11, 11-5, 9-1 before Jean retired due to injuries.
The third and fourth placing went to Amanda Jong from Miri and Kuching’s Lauren Brodie Tsen.
In the Boys’ U12, Miri’s Timothy Ling beat teammate Martin Kueh 11-6, 11-6, 11-9 to lift the title.
Miri also reigned supreme in the Girls’ U12 with rising star Ma Si Yi trouncing Josephine Yii of Sibu, 11-6, 11-6, 11-6.
Meanwhile, Kuching emerged overall champion in both the boys’ and girls’, categories followed by Miri and Sibu.
In the Boys’ category, Kuching team secured a total of 44 points, followed by Miri with 42 and Sibu with 31.
In the Girls’ category, Kuching team emerged champion with 48 points, followed by Miri with 38 and Sibu with 21.
Squash Racquets Association of Sarawak president Robert Lau Hui Yew presented prizes to the winners.