Inside Malaysian Squash: Egyptian Escapade

Well, my prediction of an English victory fell short. They were beaten by an inspired Egyptian team. Omneya decimated Jenny who could not even do anything right that night. Laura managed to squeeze through against Raneem in a very tight 5game match. Engy played probably the match of her life to beat Alison in 5 including a 11-0 in the 4th. Egypt were inspired and England looked a bundle of nerves.

Malaysia finished 3rd thanks to a Sharon Wee win over Louise Crome when the score was at 1-1 in rubbers. Delia surprisingly lost to Joelle but Nicol equalised. And Sharon produced the match of her season to win 3-0.

Victorious Egyptian Team

Egyptians in Estacy after winning

Egyptian Supporters and Crowd

With Michelle Martin

Nathalie Grainger and Amir Wagih

I am here in Egypt with the China squash team for the 2008 World Women's Team Championship with 18 other teams. For more news, refer to www.squashsite.co.uk

Just a bit of news, China finished 19th but just being at the Championship is an achievement by itself. They did leave an impression with the other teams with regards to the level of play. They gave the Austrian and Swiss teams something to think about for the next edition.

As for the Malaysian team, they lost to Egypt in the semifinals 2-1. Sharon and Delia gave very good account of themselves by stretching their opponents to 4 games and causing some anxiety among the Egyptians. Well done girls and I look forward to the next edition.

Hong Kong with their junior team minus Rebecca Chiu managed to reach the quarters and pushed Ireland and the Dutch team. They will be very dangerous in years to come.

England will win this edition by virtue of having Jenny Duncalf (world no.5), Alison Waters (world no.6), Laura Lengthorn (world no.8) and Tania Bailey (former world no.4). Duncalf, Waters and Lengthorn played in the World Juniors 2001 in Penang and 7 years down the road, they are world class. They beat Malaysia in 2001 for the Junior Team title then. Malaysia then had Nicol, Tricia, Teng Ooi Ean and Sally Looi. Only Nicol remains out of the team that is still plaaying squash. Go figure!!

Anyway, enjoy the pics and I'll add more later.