Kota Kinabalu: Muhammad Zidane Zicqree Zairul Anuar clinched the boys’ Under-19 title at the just concluded Invitational Sabah Closed Squash Junior Championships 2025 at the Likas Sports Complex Squash Courts on Sunday.
He came from a set down to beat Dave Elvin Stamos 12-14, 11-7, 11-8, 11-9 in the final to lift the crown.
The finals of the three-day tournament also saw Francine Ava Faurillo taking the girls’ Under-17 title with a three-set 11-4, 11-7, 11-3 victory over Marion Jesse James and Jediael Habel Jaffry taking the boys’ Under-17 title after beating Andreas Andy Herry Kong 11-9, 11-5, 11-4.
In the Under-15 category, Queenelle Zoey Herry Kong defeated Nur Adelia Ezzara Eddy 6-11, 12-10, 12-10, 9-11, 11-8 to take the girls’ title while the boys’ title went to Adryel Levi Limus Faurillo following his 11-6, 11-3, 11-1 win over Rafael Micah Limus.
The tournament organised by Kota Kinabalu Squash Association was aimed to provide a platform for junior players to gain exposure, match experience and competitive confidence.
Sabah Squash Association vice president Lai Pal Peng was delighted with the success of the event that had attracted some 100 players from Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tawau.
“This tournament managed to showcase the State’s growing pool of young squash talent across multiple age categories. We are seeing encouraging improvements not only in their skill, but also in discipline and competitive maturity.
“It reinforced our commitment to strengthening grassroots development and identifying future national-level players,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sabah Squash Association secretary Florah Muyou said players taking part in the Under-9, Under-11 and Under-13 categories also delivered impressive performances and several of them were presented with goody bags as encouragement.
She added that the success of the tournament has received positive feedback from the coaches and parents.
As a result, the State body is planning to introduce more junior circuits, training camps and district-level events in 2026 to widen the talent pipeline and prepare young hopefuls for higher-level competitions.
