KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's Harith Danial Jefri blew a two-game lead as South Korea created history at the World Junior Squash Championships (WJSC) in Houston, Texas, on Tuesday.
The ninth-seeded Malaysian won the opening two games 11-8, 11-6 against Joo Young Na, only to lose momentum as the Korean fought back to take the following three games 11-7, 11-4, 11-2, and reach the final.
Young Na, also the ninth seed, is the first-ever Korean to reach a WJSC final.
He will face top seed Mohamad Zakaria, who defeated India's Shaurya Bawa 11-5, 11-5, 11-9, in the final.
Harith could not hide his frustration after blowing a golden chance of reaching the final.
"I started well against Young Na but could not maintain my momentum after that. On the other hand, the Korean regained his confidence and played really well to take the next three games," he said.
Harith, however, was still satisfied with his overall performance.
"As the ninth seed, I have to be happy with my semi-final effort, although I could have been in the final. I hope to build on this and do better in the team event," he added.
Malaysia, seeded second in the men's team event behind top seeds Egypt, are in Group B with Hong Kong, China, and Spain.
In the girls' team event, Malaysia are in Group C with Canada, Scotland, and South Africa.
The boys' and girls' team events start on Thursday.