
Eain Yow cruises, Rachel fights back to reach Squash On Fire finals
KUALA LUMPUR: World No. 10 Ng Eain Yow and world No. 20 Rachel Arnold continued their impressive form to reach the men's and women's finals of the Squash On Fire Open in Washington on Saturday.
Asian champion Eain Yow powered past world No. 49 Kareem El Torkey of Egypt 11-5, 11-4, 11-6 in just 35 minutes to book his place in the men's final.
Meanwhile, Rachel pulled off a stunning comeback to defeat world No. 8 Rowan Elaraby of Egypt 3-11, 11-6, 12-10, 6-11, 11-7 in a 51-minute thriller.
The 30-year-old Malaysian was trailing 7-5 in the fifth game before reeling off six straight points to seal her first win over Elaraby in eight meetings.
Rachel, who lifted the China Open title last November, will face American world No. 10 Amanda Sobhy in Sunday's final.
Third seed Sobhy cruised past seventh seed Kenzy Ayman of Egypt 11-8, 11-4, 11-6 in just 22 minutes in her semi-final.
Rachel will be chasing her first win over Sobhy, having lost their previous two encounters.
On her semi-final win, Rachel said: "I'm happy with my performance. I fought well today in the fifth. It was edgy at times, but I'm really happy with the win.
"I think it was back and forth - sometimes Elaraby would get the momentum, sometimes it was me.
"I just tried to stay positive throughout the entire match, and it really helped.
"I'm feeling positive ahead of the final. I think I'll be the underdog and I just want to try my best," she told PSA World Tour.
Eain Yow will meet world No. 8 and top seed Marwan El Shorbagy of England in the men's final.
El Shorbagy saw off fourth seed Gregoire Marche of France 11-8, 11-7, 9-11, 11-8 in 45 minutes to reach the title decider.
Eain Yow will start as the underdog, having lost all three of his previous meetings against El Shorbagy.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


New Straits Times
an hour ago
- New Straits Times
As Harimau roar, the rest of Asia better pay attention
WHEN a tiger tears apart a Golden Star, it's a sign Malaysian football is roaring back to life. Peter Cklamovski made an emphatic statement in just his third official game in charge, as a revamped Harimau Malaya thrashed regional powerhouse Vietnam 4-0 in front of more than 60,000 roaring fans at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Tuesday. It wasn't just a win, it was a warning. A bold declaration that Malaysia are back in business. Not since 2014 had Malaysia beaten Vietnam, and never in such brutal fashion. The Golden Star Warriors, reigning Asean Cup champions and long-time regional giants, were left shell-shocked. With this result, Malaysia are virtually assured of a place at the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia. But more than qualification, this felt like the start of something special. There was plenty of scepticism in the lead-up. Questions swirled around the late inclusion of a clutch of newly cleared heritage players, Joao Figueiredo, Rodrigo Holgado, Jon Irazabal, Facundo Garces, and second-half substitute Imanol Machuca, all receiving FIFA clearance just hours before kick-off. But on the pitch, there was no sign of hesitation. No sign of rust. No sign they'd just arrived. They played like they belonged. Figueiredo and Holgado didn't just score, they celebrated like born-and-bred Malaysians, pumping fists and pointing to the badge. Their passion was matched by their quality. At the back, Garces and Irazabal brought much-needed steel and composure, forming a wall Vietnam couldn't breach. Machuca, when introduced, added flair and pace. The foreign-born contingent didn't just boost the squad, they transformed it. Yet despite the debutants grabbing headlines, it was Arif Aiman Hanapi who shone brightest. The Johor Darul Ta'zim winger, far from being overshadowed, was the best player on the pitch. He tore through the Vietnamese defence, created two goals with electric pace and precision, and reminded everyone that local talent can still set the standard. This was no fluke. Malaysia were aggressive, structured and ruthless. The Tigers didn't just outplay Vietnam, they dominated them. From the first whistle, they looked hungrier, sharper and far more organised. Vietnam, usually composed and compact, were reduced to chasing shadows. Malaysia made them look like minnows. And the scary part? Harimau Malaya are only just getting started. If Cklamovski keeps this group fit and firing, more teams will fall. The energy, belief and tactical discipline were all there, and the squad depth has never looked better. But the Australian tactician should keep his focus tight. His job is to build the team and unify the camp. That includes making friends, not enemies with all stakeholders, including the media. He's here to evolve Malaysian football, and winning allies off the pitch will be just as vital. Why would any Malaysian want him and Harimau Malaya to fail? Tuesday also marked a turning point: nine of Malaysia's starting XI were heritage players. A first for the nation. A reality some old-school fans might struggle with. Gone are the days of the traditional "Ali, Ah Chong and Muthu" line-up. Modern football demands new thinking. National identity isn't diluted by diverse roots. It's defined by shared ambition and passion. The badge matters more than birthplace. If Tuesday proved anything, it's that these players are all-in for Malaysia. Still, there's a caveat. Heritage or naturalised stars offer a quick fix, but the long game lies in the grassroots. Development programmes must not be sidelined. Investment in youth academies, school systems and talent scouting is still the backbone of true progress. Japan offered a masterclass on the same night, fielding an all-local side, not their best squad, to demolish a heritage-laden Indonesia 6-0 in a World Cup qualifier. That's the gold standard. That's the long-term vision Malaysia must aim for. But right now? This win matters. This performance matters. It's been a long road of mediocrity and fleeting optimism. This feels different. Cklamovski has brought structure, belief and modern ideas. And the players — whether born in Johor or Rosario — are buying in. Malaysia aren't just back, they're dangerous. And as Vietnam found out the hard way, when a tiger has teeth and purpose, even giants fall. Harimau Malaya roared, and the rest of Asia had better pay attention.


The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Ex-Malaysia Footballer Baddrol Bakhtiar Sits With Regular Fans
HARIMAU Malaya football legend Baddrol Bakhtiar captured hearts nationwide when he attended Malaysia's match against Vietnam at Bukit Jalil National Stadium yesterday. However, it wasn't just his presence that got people talking. The former national team star, who now serves as Gurun state assemblyman as well as Kedah state exco, showed up to support the Harimau Malaya squad in true grassroots fashion – sitting on the stadium seats alongside regular fans without any VIP treatment. Baddrol attended the match with Larut MP Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin and Kota Bharu MP Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, but his humble gesture of forgoing special seating arrangements to sit with ordinary supporters has since gone viral on social media. In a TikTok video posted on his account, the sight of the football icon, despite his current political status, choosing to experience the match like any other passionate fan has deeply moved Malaysian sports enthusiasts. 'You are the real hero of the Malaysian team. Best thing about Baddrol – former national player sitting in regular stands with no special treatment, no problem at all,' wrote ZaidZairazi. 'No need to sit in VIP seats. Great to share seats with 61,000 supporters. Salute!' commented user Ehkucai. 'Excellent that YB still comes to support Harimau Malaya because he was once part of the national team,' added Junaidimohdtahir. The heartwarming display of humility from the football legend has resonated with fans across the country, with many praising his down-to-earth approach and unwavering support for Malaysian football despite his transition into full-time politics. Baddrol's gesture perfectly embodies the spirit of Malaysian football – where passion transcends status and true legends remain connected to their roots.


The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Former Malaysian player Baddrol Bakhtiar goes viral for sitting on stadium seat like regular fan
PETALING JAYA – Harimau Malaya football legend Baddrol Bakhtiar captured hearts nationwide when he attended Malaysia's match against Vietnam at Bukit Jalil National Stadium yesterday. However, it wasn't just his presence that got people talking. The former national team star, who now serves as Gurun state assemblyman as well as Kedah state exco, showed up to support the Harimau Malaya squad in true grassroots fashion – sitting on the stadium seats alongside regular fans without any VIP treatment. Baddrol attended the match with Larut MP Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin and Kota Bharu MP Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, but his humble gesture of forgoing special seating arrangements to sit with ordinary supporters has since gone viral on social media. In a TikTok video posted on his account, the sight of the football icon, despite his current political status, choosing to experience the match like any other passionate fan has deeply moved Malaysian sports enthusiasts. 'You are the real hero of the Malaysian team. Best thing about Baddrol – former national player sitting in regular stands with no special treatment, no problem at all,' wrote ZaidZairazi. 'No need to sit in VIP seats. Great to share seats with 61,000 supporters. Salute!' commented user Ehkucai. 'Excellent that YB still comes to support Harimau Malaya because he was once part of the national team,' added Junaidimohdtahir. The heartwarming display of humility from the football legend has resonated with fans across the country, with many praising his down-to-earth approach and unwavering support for Malaysian football despite his transition into full-time politics. Baddrol's gesture perfectly embodies the spirit of Malaysian football – where passion transcends status and true legends remain connected to their roots.