SYED Agil Syed Naguib bagged his first win at the ATP Malaysian Open after downing fellow national teammate Assri Merzuki 6-0, 6-3 under unfortunate circumstances at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
The first round qualifying encounter between the two rivals failed to live up to expectations as Assri, who was suffering a fever, struggled to match his opponents pace on centre court.
Perlis-born Syed Agil, who lost to Assri (Sarawak) at the Malaysia Games final in June, said it was a bittersweet victory for him. He will face Japan’s third-seeded Takuto Niki in the second round today.
It is the third year in a row a Malaysian has made the second round of qualifying after Ashari Zainal Abidin (2013) and Si Yew Ming (2012) had done so in the last two editions.
“I knew he had a fever going into the match. My plan was to keep the ball in play and wear him down,” said the 20-year-old, who will partner Australian star Nick Kyrgios in the main draw doubles event.
“It is unfortunate as he is also my friend but I am still happy with the win. It is good to get some confidence and some court time in before my next match.
“I have never played him (Takuto) before but I have seen him play and he is a very consistent player.”
Ashari Zainal, who last year created history when he became the first Malaysian player to beat a foreigner at the tournament, could not repeat his feat this year after he went down tamely to American doubles specialist Scott Lipsky 6-3, 6-3.
Youngster Koay Hao Sheng, 16, will make his debut today when he faces top-seed James Ward of England in the second round as both had received opening round byes. All four of the Malaysians had received wildcards for the qualifying event.
RESULTS — Qualifying 1st rd: Philipp Oswald (Aut) bt Santiago Gonzalez (Mex) 6-4, 6-3, Singekrawee Wattanakul (Tha) bt Mithun Murali (Ind) 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, Joe Cooper (Bri) bt Stefan Merunka (Cro) 6-3, 6-3. By Fadhli Ishak