National backup squash player Darren Rahul Pragasam is now looking to do one better after achieving his initial objective of reaching the final of the SRAM PSA 5 event.
The second-seeded Darren was in control as he put up a strong performance to see off fifth seed Darren Chan 11-8, 11-9, 11-2 in the semi-finals at the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
It is Darren's first Professional Squash Association (PSA) Tour final since the XL Open in New Zealand two years ago.
And the World No 169 is eager to nail his first title after falling short in all of his three previous attempts.
"I felt good on court today (yesterday), although I thought I could have done better in the first game," said Darren yesterday.
"But I knew I was the fitter player, and the longer the game went on, it would play into my hands.
"I always want to do better, so going a step further is definitely the goal, but I know the final is definitely going to be a tough one."
Darren takes on top seed and national No 2 Ivan Yuen in the final.
The 31-year-old Ivan was stretched to the distance overcoming third seed Ong Sai Hung 10-12, 11-7, 11-9, 6-11, 11-1 in the other semi-final.
"I thought Sai Hung played very well today, and Ivan responded to his challenge equally well," said Darren.
"I definitely have to do something very similar to stand a chance, and I'm expecting a physical encounter.
"I am physically fit and ready, but the execution of the game plan is where it is going to be tomorrow."
In the women's event, third seed Chan Yiwen produced a gritty fightback to beat second seed Ooi Kah Yan 12-10, 7-11, 11-13, 13-11, 11-5.
"I was so close to giving, but luckily I handled the situation and the pressure well," said Yiwen.
"I knew I needed to change it up in the fifth game, and I kept pushing and applying the pressure until Kah Yan started to slow down."
Yiwen, who is gunning for her second title since the SRAM PSA 1 in 2019, takes on top seed Aifa Azman in the final.
National No 4 Aifa cruised to an 11-6, 11-2, 11-3 win over Noor Ainaa Amani Ampandi in the other semi-final.
RESULTS — Semi-finals, Men: Ivan Yuen bt Ong Sai Hung 10-12, 11-7, 11-9, 6-11, 11-1; Darren Rahul Pragasam bt Darren Chan 11-8, 11-9, 11-2.
Women: Aifa Azman bt Noor Ainaa Amani Ampandi 11-6, 11-2, 11-3; Chan Yiwen bt Ooi Kah Yan 12-10, 7-11, 11-13, 13-11, 11-5.