12-07-2025
Veteran Addeen downs Joachim in all-Malaysian final
KUALA LUMPUR: Veteran Addeen Idrakie lived up to his top billing by clinching the Morrinsville Open title in New Zealand on Saturday.
The world No. 104 battled past Joachim Chuah (world No. 175) in an all-Malaysian final, winning 7-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-8, 11-4.
It was the 31-year-old's first title since lifting the North Coast Open in Australia in 2023.
Addeen, returning from a five-month injury layoff due to a right shoulder problem, had to dig deep throughout the tournament.
In the semi-finals, he overcame a stern test from Japan's Naoki Hayashi, prevailing 11-6, 13-11, 6-11, 9-11, 11-5.
Third seed Joachim, meanwhile, pulled off an upset against Hong Kong's second seed Matthew Lai, winning 13-11, 11-13, 16-14, 11-8.
Addeen, who was runner-up at the PSNS President's Trophy in Seremban last month, was thrilled to get back to winning ways.
"It was a hard-fought match against Joachim. I really had to dig deep to win it in 80 minutes," he said.
"Although I'm already 31, I have no plans to retire. I'm targeting another four years in the game.
"This win has really boosted my confidence. I'm now looking forward to another good outing at next week's Victorian Open in Australia.
