The 63rd world ranked athlete undergo huge preparation in bid to qualify for World Championship.
NATIONAL squash player, Sanjay Jeeva admitted there will be pressure in the upcoming Asian Qualifiers, which will be held in Hong Kong next week for slot in World Championship.
The 63rd ranked players stated the numbers of fellow countrymen in the tournament greatly improved the challenges as most of them are familiar with each other’s records and playing styles.
Plus, the 26-years-old Sanjay also battling with food poisoning during his trip to the Indian Open, where he was shown the exit by Veer Chotrani from India in the 37 minutes semifinals match-up.
“I just came back from India yesterday and unfortunately, I did get some food poisoning. So, I am trying to recover from that.
“There are big differences (of playing against international and Malaysian opponents) because every time we face our fellow countrymen, they will keep the results and records against you.
“So, it will add the pressure. Plus, as I am the second ranked national player, I am the one who will be expected to win,” he said to The Sun.
Apart from Sanjay, the other Malaysian will be competing in Hong Kong includes the 83rd-ranked Duncan Lee and 22-years-old Ameeshenraj Chandran who both also participated in Indian Open recently.
Nathan Kueh, Joachim Chuah, Syafiq Kamal will also present in their efforts to secure the ticket to compete in the World Championship, which will be held in Giza, Egypt in May.
The top seeded Sanjay will start his journey in Hong Kong against South Korean Jeongmin Ryu which will be the first meeting between both players.
Discussing on preparation towards the tournament, the Belgium-born Sanjay stated extra efforts will be needed to improve physically and mentally.
“I have around eight days before leaving for Hong Kong and during this period, there will be quiet intensive training.
“I am also going to prepare myself mentally because I am most likely going to face other Malaysian, which will give different types of mental pressure,” he said.
Although claiming to have huge challenges every time facing fellow countrymen, Sanjay have positive records against them, including during the all-Malaysian 2025 SEA Games final against Duncan Lee.
It will certainly become the boost for Sanjay in his bid to participate in World Championship for second year running, having joined the international tournament last year.
The Asian Qualifiers event will also be joined by female national squash players, including Ainaa Amani, Yasshmita Jadishkumar and Sehveetrraa Kumar.
