KUALA LUMPUR: The Bristol-based C. Ameeshenraj has proved to be a good replacement for Ivan Yuen, who retired from the national men's squash team last year.
Ameeshenraj, in his debut, delivered the winning point for Malaysia in the 2-1 win over Hong Kong in the Asian Team Championships final in Dalian, China, on Sunday. He rallied from a set down to beat Tang Ming Hong 8-11, 11-8, 11-6, 11-4 in the decider.
It has been a memorable week for the Negri Sembilan-born player. World No 132 Ameeshenraj, who is pursuing a degree in Business Management at University of West England (UWE), was also named as the men's Most Improved Player of the Year by UWE.
The 20-year-old recalled: "I definitely did feel the pressure going into the final (of the Asian Team Championships). I was chosen to play the deciding match but with the help of my teammates who have competed in these events before. They definitely played a crucial role in helping me prepare mentally for my match."
Ameeshenraj, who will compete in the SQ-Cube Open in Yokohama, Japan, from June 26-30, said he hopes to be selected for the World Teams Championships in Hong Kong from Dec 9-15.
Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia director Major (rtd) S. Maniam said Ameeshenraj has proven that he can be relied upon in team competition.
"We are proud of his performance as he showed maturity in his game against the experienced Hong Kong player, Ming Hong, to deliver the winning point in the deciding match.
"Ameeshenraj is a good replacement for Ivan who retired last year," added Maniam.