Prestigious squash tournament returns

Admin

PENANG is all set to host the PBA 17th Penang (Malaysian) Junior Open 2019 at the Nicol David International Squash Centre, Bukit Dumbar starting from July 9 to 14.

The Squash Rackets Association of Penang (SRAP) is organising the tournament.

The Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) is the main sponsor for the event.

Organising chairman Linda Geh said local winners of the respective categories would earn a fully-paid ticket each from CIMB Foundation to the British Junior Open 2020, to be held in January next year.

There are 10 categories which are open to both local and foreign players. The categories are Under-19 Boys and Girls, Under-17 Boys and Girls, Under-15 Boys and Girls, Under-13 Boys and Girls, and Under-11 Boys and Girls.

“We have a total of 778 participants from 19 countries including Malaysia taking part in the tournament this year. Out of the 778 people, 678 are players and 100 are officials.

“There are 412 local players and 266 foreign players,” she told a press conference at The Wembley in Magazine Road today.

Among the countries taking part were Australia, China, Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Pakistan, and United States.

“The World Squash Federation (WSF) has awarded the event a Tier II status, in which Under-19 players can accumulate Tier II World Junior Ranking Points.

“The Asian Squash Federation (ASF) has awarded the event a Platinum status in the Asian Junior Super Series. This would enable all participants to earn Asian Junior Ranking points.

“The total prize money for the event is RM10,000 which will be awarded to the top four winners of the Under-17 and Under-19 categories,” Geh said.

Also present were PBAPP head of corporate affairs division Joyce Lee Suan Imm, SRAP president Datuk Lim Tiong Chin and treasurer Quah Teik Huat.

For more information, call the tournament director Ivan Ng Tien Yuen at 012-4238958.

Story by K. Thaarshenii
Pix by Alvie Cheng