US Loses 2-0 To Malaysia In Men's World Teams Round of 16 from DailySquashReport.com
photo courtesy Steve Cubbins
June 12, 2013
- The US Men's Team had its chances but was unable to convert against
5th-seeded Malaysia today, losing two-love in the first round of the
World Team Championships knock-out draw in Mulhouse, France.
US Head Coach Paul Assaiante Filed This Report:
Day Four : Malaysia
[5] Malaysia bt [11] USA bt 2/0
Christopher Gordon lost to Ong Beng Hee 11-7, 5-11, 4-11, 8-11
Dylan Murray lost to Muhd Asyraf Azan 8-11, 12-10, 11-2, 11-8
Gilly Lane v Nafiizwan Adnan not played
Today the US boys played against the number five seeds, the
Malaysians. Tough having to rest Julian, so the same three boys
are getting no break.
First on was Chris Gordon against former world #7 Ong Beng Hee. Gordo
was really excited to play this match as he is really playing world
class squash at the moment, and every match is another opportunity to
display that standard.
Gordo established a ferocious pace and pumped the ball tightly into the
back hand side while dropping the ball when the opportunity presented
itself. Game one USA.
Beng Hee took the air out of the ball in the second and third, playing
high lobs, soft drops shots, and sneaky boasts. Gordo was working too
hard while the crafty veteran was playing in rhythm and
comfortably. But in game four Gordo stuck in there and got Beng
Hee to play his game. Sadly we fell two points short, though
Gordo played great.
Next on Dylan Murray against Muhd Asyraf Azan who is a freakish talent
and ranked top 50 in the world. Dylan played safe deep balls and
caught the unsuspecting opponent in game one. Dylan played a
great second game and had game ball, but a tight call and a winner from
Asyraf and the match was tied 1-1.
In game three the Malaysian put on a clinic, putting the ball in the
lights and dropping softly from everywhere. 2-1 Malaysia. Dylan
got a slow start but came roaring back only to fall 2 points short.
Brilliant match.
We did not play the dead rubber and so Gilly got a reprieve.
Tomorrow we play Mexico who won the gold medal in the Pan American
Games. Needless to say we look forward to the opportunity.
