Robert Lau
SIBU: Sarawak are all set to host the inaugural CMS Borneo Junior Open Squash Championship in Miri from Sept 19 to 21, with the prospect of lucrative prize-money.
Squash Racquets Association of Sarawak (SRAS) president Robert Lau Hui Yew said it would be the first time that an international squash tournament, sanctioned by the Southeast Asian (SEA) Squash Federation, is held in Sarawak.
“This will not only help put Sarawak on the world map of squash but will also generate interest in the sport among the local players. All of us ought to feel proud about it,” he said.
Lau, who is also the SEA Squash Federation president, disclosed that arrangements were being made to get world junior squash players to come here to play.
He said SEA Squash Federation had already sent out letters to all its affiliates around the world to inform them about the CMS Borneo Junior Open.
The tournament is divided into five categories – Boys’ and Girls’ U-11, U-13, U-15, U-17 and U-19.
Lau said they were expecting at least 100 players from around the world, including the top local juniors.
“Foreign players are expected to include those from Egypt, the US, Pakistan, Singapore, Indonesia and Brunei,” he said.
Lau said preparation was in its initial stage with the organisers busy with the logistics and registration.
He said the tournament would be a platform for the local players to earn ranking points.
“Once they get enough points, they may qualify to enter for international tournaments,” he explained.
Prize structure has not been finalised, but Lau said the prizes would be “handsome”.