THE local squash fraternity has lost a dedicated player with the passing of Dr Ee Chong Sen, who succumbed to a short illness at the age of 83 on Thursday (Aug 7).
Squash Rackets Association of Penang (SRAP) president Datuk Linda Geh expressed sadness over his demise, describing Dr Ee as a legend for his contributions to the development of squash in both the state and the country.
“He was a legend for all the senior and junior players. Anyone who knew him was touched by his spirit and commitment to the game.
“When I returned from the US after my studies, I began serving on the SRAP committee alongside Dr Ee, who was then secretary for a few years. I learned a great deal from him,” Geh said.
In 2023, at the age of 81, Dr Ee competed in the inaugural Penang Masters Open at the Nicol David International Squash Centre. As the only participant above 80 years old, he was allowed to play in a lower age category.
A retired chemist and former undisputed Penang champion in the early 1980s, Dr Ee had looked forward to competing in the World Masters in Japan, but the event was postponed to 2027.
Former SRAP president Datuk Seri Lim Tiong Chin shared that Dr Ee was one of the association’s pioneers, having been active since the late 1970s.
“He was one of the pillars of the association — a nice guy who was active in promoting squash, and who had served the association in various capacities, including as secretary and president.
“I remember that Dr Ee and Raj often duelled each other for honours, keeping the game exciting. In those days, we had five divisions in our squash league; now, there’s only one.
“I last saw Dr Ee about six weeks ago. We’re at Penang Sports Club, playing racketball as squash is too demanding for us now. We’ll definitely miss him,” said Lim, one of the founders of the SRAP.
Penang chief coach Aaron Soyza recalled meeting Dr Ee some 34 years ago, when Dr Ee was already regarded as one of the state’s top players.
“I was about 13, and he was one of the big names — titans of the game like Chan Yeam Chin, Quah Teik Huat, K.K. Chee, and Jalil Ibrahim.
“As emerging players, we looked up to them. Dr Ee was a disciplined, healthy, and patient person. He lived simply, enjoyed a drink after a game, and never overindulged. If I can live healthily like him to this age, it will be a blessing,” said Aaron, a nine-time Penang state champion.
Fellow state coach Khoo Teng Hin described Dr Ee as “very hardworking” and committed to fitness.
“When I started playing at 16, he was already part of a social group at the squash centre. Despite being many years my senior, he was very hard to beat. He often did court runs and long-distance runs, and he gave me valuable advice,” said Teng Hin, who later became a two-time Penang state champion.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar and courtesy of Squash Rackets Association of Penang