25-05-2025
Birthday boy Harith claims Auckland Open title
KUALA LUMPUR: Squash player Harith Danial scored the best birthday present he could hope for after beating compatriot Low Wa Sern in the final of the Auckland Open PSA Challenger in New Zealand today (May 25).
Harith, who turned 19 yesterday (May 24), was forced to dig deep before securing a 11-5, 2-11, 16-14, 10-12, 11-6 win over Wa Sern (world No. 598) in 68 minutes.
For Harith, who is the world No. 473, it was his second title this month after winning the UWE X Ace PSA Satellite in Bristol a fortnight ago.
Harith, who has been based in Bristol since last year, said: "Wa Sern gave me a real tough fight in the final so I am glad to win."
"Winning the title here is the best birthday present for me, especially since it is my first challenger title. It means a lot to me.
"I am truly grateful to those who have supported me on and off the court. There is a long way to go but I will definitely treasure this moment. Hopefully more to come in the future."
Harith, who won bronze in the World Junior Championships in Houston last year, came back from a game down to stun world No. 196 Benjamin Ratcliffe of New Zealand 8-11, 11-5, 11-5, 11-8 in the semi-finals yesterday.
Wa Sern had also done well to upset world No. 276 Jooyoung Na of South Korea 11-7, 11-9, 11-7 in the semi-finals.
SRAM director of coaching Andrew Cross said it was a great week for Harith and Wa Sern who were seeded 12th and 13th in the tournament but defied the odds to reach the final.
"I am proud of their efforts," said Cross.
