Low Wee Wern scores biggest win since injury comeback and seeds tested
By ALEX WAN – Squash Mad Asian Bureau Editor

Malaysia’s Low Wee Wern achieved her biggest win since coming back from a 20-month injury break here today when she ousted world number 14 and tournament second seed Salma Hany in convincing fashion. The 28-year old from Penang won in straight games in just over the half hour mark to book her spot in the last eight tomorrow against another Egyptian Nadine Shahin.

Playing the last match of the evening, the Malaysian took the all-important first game that went to the tie-break, before taking the next two comfortably.

“It’s one of my first good wins ever since I started playing after the injury layoff. I’ve been struggling to find my confidence on court after being out for so long. Even yesterday, I was struggling to find my game. But today against Salma, the first game was very, very important and winning that gave me a lot of confidence and I think that also took some confidence from her. She’s a shot maker and going one-down meant it’s harder to try going for them,” Wee Wern said.

It was tough day for the top seeds In the women’s today, as Annie Au was severely tested by the Japanese youngster Satomi Watanabe. Having split the first four games between them, the experience of Au shone when it matters when she ran away with the fifth game, winning 11 points in a row after dropping the first.

“Maybe I wasn’t as match ready as her. She had a match yesterday and for me, this was my first match. Sometimes, having to play a game extra helps you condition and maybe today was the case for her. Now that I have a long match in the bag, I hope it’ll be a much better game from me tomorrow,” Annie said when asked how she think she fared.

Au’s opponent tomorrow in the last eight is Samantha Cornett, a straight games winner against Hong Kong’s Vanessa Chu. The lanky Canadian nearly blew away a big lead in the second set when she allowed Chu to pull back from 8-4 down to 10-10.

“I felt pretty good today. I feel I could get to the ball quickly, but I let things land a little short in the second, which is where she’s really good,” Cornett said afterwards.

Chu’s counterpart Liu Tsz Ling was also on the losing end as she fell in straight games to Egyptian Mayar Hany. Hany will face third seed Indian Joshna Chinappa tomorrow, after she saw off the challenge of Kiwi Amanda Landers-Murphy.

“Amanda and I train together quite a bit back in Bristol. I know how dangerous she can be on the volleys, so I had to keep that away from her. I’m just glad I got through in three, especially in the first and third, it was close.”

In the lower half of the draw, fourth seed Joey Chan won the all-Hong Kong battle against Tong Tsz-Wing, who did not have many answers to shot making skills of the left hander. Chan faces Egyptian Zeina Mickawy, who ended Rachel Arnold’s Macau campaign in four games.

In the men’s event, last year’s finalists Yip Tsz Fung and Omar Mosaad both won in contrasting fashion. Mosaad, the losing finalist from last year, certainly had the easier time between the two, winning in straight games. But huge credit should be given to his opponent Dimitri Steinmann who pushed the Egyptian into very long rallies in the third game in particular.

“Dimitri played a good long match yesterday against Mazen Gamal. I knew it was going to be a little hurting for his legs today and I knew he was going to start slow. I wanted to do well in the start and he was going to up the tempo in the second or third game. I’m really happy to win in straight games today.”

Defending champion Yip Tsz Fung was severely tested by Pakistani Shahajad Khan. Both players have tremendous racket skills and served the crowd a delight with the many low cross court shots. While there were many moments of brilliance, the match was marred by several interruptions with the referee.

The fourth game was not a pretty one with both players growing more and more frustrated by the inconsistent calls. There were many traffic issues and discussions with the referee. Then at 4-8 down, the cool and composed Yip gathered all his experience to win seven points in a row from 4-8 down to book his berth in the next round and a step closer to retaining his title.

Fellow Hong Kong player Leo Au was also tested by France’s Auguste Dussourd. The Asian Games champion took the entire first game to get used to the playing style of the Frenchman. After dropping the first, he came back strongly to take the next two comfortably. The fourth was close in the first half of the game, but it was Au who walked out victorious to earn a shot against compatriot Yip Tsz Fung.

Max Lee and Ivan Yuen played the match of the day. The pair, who are friends and know each other’s game inside out, both played their best squash and served the crowd a delightful match. Yuen was firing into nicks from all corners while Lee was ever-ready to pick them up. The fourth game in particular, Yuen was super sharp with the angles. It was perhaps because of that, it got to his head a little in the fifth where he rushed to finish off the rallies a little too quickly and was made to pay with the game and match.

“I didn’t set much expectation on myself today. I just wanted to play a good match. Ivan and I have played many times, so I know exactly how he plays and he knows my game well too. But he seriously hit a lot of winners today and I just had to keep everything tight. It was a little more comfortable in the fifth. Maybe he relaxed a little after that ridiculous fourth game.”

2016 World Junior champion Ng Eain Yow won his first competitive match against senior Nafiizwan Adnan after the pair engaged in a 73-minute battle. Expectedly, the match was a long one given that the pair train together daily. After splitting the first four games, Ng ran away with the fifth with Adnan looking a little worn.

While on paper it’s an upset over the seeding, Ng has overtaken Adnan in the latest PSA ranking despite both having dipped a few places.

“I thought I played well when I needed to today and I’m just happy to get the win. At this stage, I am not thinking too much about who I’m playing or who I’m beating. It’s just focussing on playing good squash and getting the result when the matches come. Just focussing more on myself now rather than who my opponent is. But it’s never easy playing a team mate, especially with Nafiizwan, who has been helping us as juniors. But I thought we both went in professionally and played a good game,” Ng said later.

Scotland’s Greg Lobban and top seed Diego Elias both won in straight games.

“I was a little nervous going into the match because Baptiste has won a couple of 10k events recently and I know how that feels. He’s got lots of confidence so I am glad to get through,” Lobban said afterwards, while Elias was happy with his match:

“I’m feeling good and I have been looking forward to start off this tournament. I think I played really well in my first match and I’m really looking forward to the rest of the tournament.”

The last men’s match of the evening was also the longest. The all-Indian battle between Saurav Ghosal and Mahesh Magaonkar lasted a full 77 minutes and it was rather tensed through it all. It was evident both players knew each other’s game well, judging from the times they both guessed right the next shot. It was a shame finish as a shot between the legs from Magaonkar went out of court and he did not hide his frustration as he flung his racket onto the front wall after that.

“First thing, I think Mahesh played very well. You have to give credit where credit is due – he did put up a very, very good performance. I know obviously he was very capable of a performance like that. His ranking certainly does not reflect the quality of squash in him.

“Personally, I don’t think I was hitting the ball badly, but maybe my shot selection wasn’t the best at certain times. That could’ve been slightly better in the first half of the match. But I’m happy with myself for being able to come up with solutions to win today.”
 

RESULTS (SECOND ROUND)

Annie Au (HKG) bt Satomi Watanabe (JPN) 10-12, 11-8, 11-9, 3-11, 11-1 (46m)
Samantha Cornett (CAN) bt Vanessa Chu (HKG) 11-6, 12-10, 11-8 (26m)
Mayar Hany (EGY) bt Liu Tsz-Ling (HKG) 11-9, 11-5, 11-7 (26m)
Joshna Chinappa (IND) bt Amanda Landers-Murphy (NZL) 11-8, 11-5, 11-9 (26m)
Joey Chan (HKG) bt Tong Tsz-Wing (HKG) 11-6, 11-4, 11-5 (30m)
Zeina Mickawy (EGY) bt Rachel Arnold (MAS) 11-7, 4-11, 11-7, 11-9 (35m)
Nadine Shahin (EGY) bt Ho Tze-Lok (HKG) 11-3, 11-6, 11-9 (23m)
Low Wee Wern (MAS) bt Salma Hany (EGY) 12-10, 11-7, 11-3 (33m)

Diego Elias (PER) bt Edmon Lopez (ESP) 11-5, 11-6, 11-4 (26m)
Max Lee (HKG) bt Ivan Yuen (MAS) 11-4, 7-11, 11-9, 5-11, 11-5 (66m)
Leo Au (HKG) bt Auguste Dussourd (FRA) 7-11, 11-4, 11-3, 11-7 (56m)
Yip Tsz Fung (HKG) bt Shahjahan Khan 11-2, 5-11, 11-8, 11-8 (PAK) (49m)
Omar Mosaad (EGY) bt Dimitri Steinmann (SUI) 11-7, 11-3, 11-9 (31m)
Ng Eain Yow (MAS) bt Nafiizwan Adnan (MAS) 11-8, 5-11, 11-8, 8-11, 11-5 (73m)
Greg Lobban (SCO) bt Baptiste Masotti (FRA) 11-5, 12-10, 11-8 (45m)
Saurav Ghosal (IND) bt Mahesh Magaonkar (IND) 9-11, 11-7, 10-12, 11-3, 11-9 (77m)

Pictures courtesy of Macau Squash Association

Cardiff Blues have given Wales fly-half Gareth Anscombe a deadline of "early next week" to decide whether he wants to stay with the region.

Ospreys are leading the other Welsh regions in showing interest in signing 27-year-old Anscombe, whose national dual contract ends in June.

Coach John Mulvihill said Blues are hopeful he will stay, but want to "move forward if it is not going our way".

Mulvihill said Blues have other options if Anscombe leaves.

"I am still hopeful he is going to be here. He has all his mates he plays with," Mulvihill added.

"Rugby is a funny thing and sometimes decisions are made that are nothing to do with rugby, so we will have to wait and see.

"I am always hopeful, an eternal optimist, but nobody is indispensable. If we get bad news we will have to move on.

"We have spoken to a couple of people and there is a contingency plan, but we might cast the net even wider if that is the case because it will free up the budget.

"If the sky falls in early next week, we will resurrect things and get moving."

Welsh rugby has introduced a new player banding pay system to replace the national dual contract (NDC) with the wages and categories set by the new Professional Rugby Board (PRB).

Anscombe has always signed national dual contracts with Blues and Welsh Rugby Union since arriving from New Zealand in 2014. He appealed against his pay banding verdict but that was rejected.

Despite reported interest from English clubs, Mulvihill believes Anscombe will still stay in Wales, because if he moves outside the country he would be ineligible for Wales as he has not won 60 Test caps.

"He will be staying in Wales - who he plays for it is up to him," said Mulvihill.

"I can't speak for the Ospreys but I know they are desperate to have him, the Scarlets would like him as well and the Dragons also need a 10."

Mulvihill also confirmed Anscombe is in line to captain Blues in their crucial Pro14 trip to face Connacht in Galway on Saturday, with regular skipper Kristian Dacey an injury doubt.

It was less than a week ago that Israel Folau set a Super Rugby try-scoring record to cement his status as one of the greatest rugby players of his generation.

But in an unprecedented episode, Rugby Australia is now on the verge of sacking their in-form full-back, just months away from a World Cup in which Folau would have been a central figure for the Wallabies.

It comes after Folau posted on social media on Wednesday that gay people were among those who he feels would go to Hell unless they repented.

Unless the 30-year-old has an acceptable explanation for his latest social media foray - and he has yet to return his bosses' calls - then he may never play rugby union again.

Contract breaches leave Folau's career in jeopardy

Folau first found himself in hot water with his employers at Rugby Australia exactly a year ago when he made a similar post on Instagram.

A committed Christian, Folau says he reads the Bible every day, as he outlined in a blog entry on the Players Voice in April 2018, where he sought to explain his stance and insisted he is not a homophobe.

In this column, Folau referenced a passage from Corinthians, which bears resemblance to the most recent post which may have cost him his career.

But while a year ago Folau's bosses at Rugby Australia said they accepted his position but did not support it, now they have moved a significant step further by making clear their intent to sack the player.

This is almost certainly as a result of the first episode and its aftermath, with the Australian media reporting Folau had social media clauses in the deal he signed in October, which he has likely contravened with his latest actions.

"Israel has failed to understand the expectation of him as a Rugby Australia and NSW Waratahs employee is that he cannot share material on social media than condemns, vilifies or discriminated against people on the basis of their sexuality," read a statement.

Furthermore, while Rugby Australia was able to ride out the PR backlash last year and allow Folau to escape with a warning, the damage of doing the same this time around could have been costly both reputationally and financially for a struggling union.

While the governing body will be praised for the decisive action, the financial damage of sticking by the player could have outweighed his sizeable input to the Wallabies on the field.

For example Qantas, the Wallabies' primary sponsor, has voiced its displeasure at Folau's comments and made it clear it would support a hard-line stance.

Folau will be missed on the pitch

Since reaching the World Cup final in 2015 - with Folau a key performer - Australia have under-performed, and are currently as low as sixth in the World Rugby rankings.

Folau - who has also played professional rugby league and Australian rules football - has consistently been one of the side's best players since his international union debut against the British and Irish Lions in 2013, so will be badly missed if and when his sacking is confirmed.

The impact this would have on the playing squad remains to be seen, with some of Folau's team-mates 'liking' his post on social media - although this doesn't necessarily mean they support his views.

But it leaves the Wallabies, and Australian rugby at large, in a fix, with a World Cup looming in which they face the likes of Wales and Fiji in a difficult pool. One bookmaker has already lengthened the Wallabies' odds for the tournament from 12-1 to 16-1.

Head coach Michael Cheika and chief executive Raelene Castle now face an uphill task in repairing the damage being wreaked on the game down under, both on and off the field.

INDIANAPOLIS – The Ollie’s Bargain Outlet All Star Circuit of Champions presented by Mobil 1 is teaming up with the Rayce Rudeen Foundation to co-host the inaugural Rayce Rudeen Foundation Race on July 28 at 34 Raceway.

“We are really excited and grateful that Kevin Rudeen and the Rayce Rudeen Foundation chose 34 Raceway and the All Stars to be a part of this great event,” said Tony Stewart, owner of the Ollie’s Bargain Outlet All Star Circuit of Champions. “Racers have always taken care of other racers, so to be able to do this for Kevin, his family and the Foundation is an honor not only as the series owner, but also as a driver.”

“34 Raceway [in West Burlington, Iowa] is honored to partner with the Rayce Rudeen Foundation and the All Stars for this inaugural race. Hosting a premier racing event at 34 Raceway and having the ability to use it as a platform for addiction awareness in partnership with the Rayce Rudeen Foundation is tremendous,” said Brad Stevens and Jessi Mynatt of 34 Raceway.

The Rayce Rudeen Foundation was established three years ago when Kevin Rudeen, owner of the No. 26 Rudeen Racing entry driven by Cory Eliason, tragically lost his son, Rayce, to an overdose at 26 years old. Rayce would have been 29 years old April 12.

In order to honor his life and keep his memory alive, his family decided to start a private foundation to help others. Today, the Rayce Rudeen Foundation is a certified nonprofit that gives grant money to organizations and programs that encourage a healthy and productive life, free from addiction.

It is the goal of the the Rayce Rudeen Foundation to help fill the gaps in a broken system so that others are able to get the support they need, and so that other families don’t have to suffer in the same way theirs had.

“Losing Rayce was devastating to our family, but we refuse to let shame and stigma prevent us from trying to help others,” said Foundation President Nadalie Malsam, Rayce’s cousin and best friend.

Thanks to generous donors that cover all of their operations, 100 percent of all donations the Rayce Rudeen Foundation receives go directly to their grants and programs, which means every penny donated gets straight to those who need it most.

The inaugural Rayce Rudeen Foundation Race will be unique in itself, just like Rayce was. It is starting off with a $66,000 total purse – with $25,000 being awarded to the winner. Throughout the night there will be giveaways, fan participation and interviews.

“To be able to add a purse of this magnitude to our schedule is something that the teams, drivers, owners and fans will be thrilled about,” Stewart said. “Most importantly, through all of this, we hope to help the Rayce Rudeen Foundation raise awareness on addiction prevention, treatment and recovery. We would like to thank Kevin and his organization for allowing us to be a part of this event.”

With a star-studded lineup set to attend, Kevin Rudeen is very appreciative of the outpouring of support.

“Moving forward, we hope to make this a fundraising event for years to come with Tony and the All Stars, but for now what is important to us is that we raise awareness and understanding of addiction,” said Kevin Rudeen.

PERRIS, Calif. – This Saturday the AMSOIL USAC-CRA Sprint Car Series will return to Perris Auto Speedway for the Sokola Shootout.

Promoted by Don Kazarian, the fourth point race of the year for the AMSOIL USAC-CRA Sprint Car Series will also showcase the PAS Senior Sprint Cars and the PAS Young Gun Sprint Cars.

The Sokola Shootout has been a popular race on the West Coast since Tony Jones won the inaugural show at Manzanita Speedway on March 17, 2001. Originally called the Sokola Classic to honor past CRA President and USAC Sprint Supervisor Gary Sokola, the event has grown to also honor former driver Mark Sokola and their contributions to racing.

Last year, fast qualifier Brody Roa, Jake Swanson, Danny Faria Jr. and Charles Davis Jr. followed Damion Gardner to his third Sokola victory.

Since March 6, 2004, the Lake Perris Fairgrounds has held 214 AMSOIL USAC-CRA Sprint Car Series events and thirty-eight different drivers have claimed victory. Gardner leads all drivers with 45 home track wins and the one-lap track record of 15.833 seconds was set by Nic Faas on Feb. 25, 2012.

Entering Saturday’s event, Roa sits atop the point standings with a 14-point advantage. Driving the BR Performance No. 91R HD Industries/Burris Racing Maxim, Roa has one win, three top-10 finishes and 28 feature laps led. The 2016 USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series champion is tied with Matt Mitchell, Richard Vander Weerd, and Austin Williams for 14th on the USAC-CRA win list and will be looking for his eighth series triumph.

Gardner ranks second in the chase for the championship. Racing Mark Alexander’s No. 4 Trench Shoring/All Coast Construction Spike, Gardner finished seventh in the Perris So-Cal Showdown. To date, the seven-time champion has also posted one Woodland Auto Display Fast Time Award, two heat race victories and three top-10 finishes on the year. This Saturday, Gardner will have his sights the eighty-first USAC-CRA feature win of his career.

Settling into his new ride, Williams is third in the USAC-CRA point chase. Piloting Tom and Laurie Sertich’s No. 92 Huntington Beach Glass & Mirror/Lucas Oil DRC, Williams finished third at the Lake Perris Fairgrounds on March 30. He has three top-10 finishes on the season and will be looking for his eighth series win.

R.J. Johnson ranks fourth in the USAC-CRA championship point standings. Driving the Bobby Martin Racing No. 51 Martin Family Auto Museum/Pro Flyer Race Engines Sherman, Johnson was in contention for the Marth 30 win until a lap 16 flip resulted in a 16th-place finish. To date, the five-time USAC Southwest Sprint Car Series champion has posted two heat race victories, two top-10 finishes and 16 laps led in the campaign. The second generation driver will have his sights on claiming his seventh USAC-CRA victory.

Stevie Sussex is currently fifth in the USAC-CRA point standings. Racing Robbie & Gaye Allen’s No. 12 ABC Body Shop/PPG Automotive Finishes Maxim, Sussex charged to fifth in the So-Cal Showdown after starting 10th. At press time, the 2017 USAC National Sprint Car Rookie of the Year has three top-10 finishes and will be looking to earn his first USAC-CRA main event win.

OCALA, Fla. – Big Frog Motorsports has announced that Tanner English will drive the M&W Transport No. 58 Dave’s Towing/XR1 Rocket Chassis/Clements Racing Engine Super Late Model in select events.

“I began talking about possibilities with Tanner a month or so ago after his deal with Randy Weaver Racing dissolved. We both thought it would be a good fit to have him drive our team’s car, but we just couldn’t find dates that worked for both of us,” said Big Frog Motorsports owner Augie Burttram. “We recently talked again, and decided to give this deal a shot, so he’ll be piloting our car in the Schaeffer’s Oil Spring Nationals races on April 19-20.

“We’re going to reevaluate after that first weekend, and see how it works out for both of us and what we can do together to be successful. Tanner is a super-talented driver, and I’m excited to have him behind the wheel of our team’s car.”

English is the two-time defending Schaeffer’s Oil MARS Racing Series champion. He previously inked a deal to drive for Randy Weaver Racing this year, but it fell apart when the team shut down.

“Augie [Burttram] and I decided to take this deal on a race-to-race basis and see if it’s a good fit for both of us,” the 25-year-old English said. “Big Frog Motorsports has top-notch equipment, and I’m grateful for this opportunity. I’ve got some races already committed in my personal car and a couple of other rides for the remainder of this year, but I’d love to race with Big Frog Motorsports, whenever makes sense for both of us. Hopefully, we can gel and enjoy success together.”

English will make his debut in the Big Frog Motorsports No. 58 on April 19-20 in Schaeffer’s Oil Spring Nationals competition in Georgia. The weekend opens on Friday night at Blue Ridge Motorsports Park in Blue Ridge, Ga., with a $4,000-to-win race before shifting to Toccoa (Ga.) Raceway on Saturday night for a $10,000-to-win affair.