KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia got off to an encouraging start at the World Junior Squash Championships in Houston, Texas, on Thursday.
In the boys' team competition, second seeds Malaysia outplayed Spain 3-0 in their opening Group B tie.
Altamis Aqhar Sallam Azhar Sufian started the ball rolling by beating Javier Fraser Munoz 11-7, 11-8, 11-4, while Low Wa Sern gave Malaysia an unassailable lead by overcoming Adrian Revert Escutia 11-2, 11-5, 11-5. Harith Danial Jefri, who won bronze in the individual event, completed Malaysia's win with an 11-5, 11-4, 11-2 victory over Oriol Salvia Ripoli. Malaysia will face Hong Kong next.
In the girls' team competition, Malaysia defeated Scotland 3-0 in a Group C tie.
Anrie Goh defeated Ella Bannister 11-4, 11-3, 11-4, while Whitney Isabelle Wilson delivered the second point with an 11-3, 11-5, 11-1 win over Natalie Main.
Asian Under-19 champion U. Thanussa warded off a strong challenge from Robyn McAlpine before prevailing 11-6, 11-2, 7-11, 11-4 in the third match. Malaysia will next face South Africa.