KUCHING: Young squash talents from Sarawak, Siti Syaurah and Lee Xin Yi, delivered standout performances to finish as first runners-up in their respective age groups at the 8th Borneo Junior Open, held from July 15 to 20 at the Sarawak Squash Centre.
Siti, representing Miri, impressed in the Girls Under-15 category, advancing all the way to the final before falling to Selangor’s Niea Chew in four sets.
Despite taking the opening game 11-7, she lost the next three 7-11, 4-11, and 9-11, settling for silver.
“I feel very happy, a little bit sad, but there’s no difference. I’ll come back stronger for another tournament,” said Siti to Sarawak Tribune after the final.
She cited national player, Sivasangari Subramaniam, as her inspiration.
Meanwhile, in the Girls Under-17 division, Lee Xin Yi also earned second place after a tight five-set thriller against BJSS/Perlis player Ooi Wen Min.
Lee pushed the match to the wire, but Ooi edged through with a 12-10, 8-11, 11-2, 8-11, 6-2 win.
“Nervous? Of course. But I overcome pressure by just continuing to play,” said Lee.
She credited her motivation to watching top players like Sivasangari Subramaniam and Japan’s Satomi Watanabe in action.
The 8th Borneo Junior Open brought together promising junior squash players from across the region, with intense competition and close matches highlighting the tournament’s high level of talent.
Sarawak’s strong showing in both categories signals a bright future for squash in the state, with players like Siti and Lee continuing to gain experience and confidence on the court.
