KUALA LUMPUR: Ng Eain Yow's inability to handle pressure is cited as the reason the national No. 1 player has not cracked the top 10 of the PSA Tour world rankings.
The 26-year-old, now ranked No. 15, fell short of clinching victory at the QSF 3 Open in Doha on Sunday, losing 11-6, 11-4, 5-11, 11-5 to world No. 8 Taren Momen in the final.
Despite the 10-year age gap, 36-year-old Momen, nearing the end of his career, displayed dominance over Asian champion Eain Yow, securing his sixth consecutive victory against him.
National coach Ajaz Azmat commended Eain Yow for reaching the final but highlighted his struggle to handle pressure, particularly against top-10 players.
"Momen remains physically fit and injury-free, dictating matches effectively despite his age," said Azmat.
"Eain Yow needs to focus on consistency and cultivate belief in his ability to defeat any opponent on the tour."
Eain Yow's next challenge will be at the British Open in Birmingham from June 2-9.
The German Open champion, who received a first-round bye, will face Egypt's world No. 13 Aly Abou Eleinen in the second round, aiming to improve upon his first-round exit in last year's edition.