KUALA LUMPUR: National No. 1 Ng Eain Yow is eagerly awaiting Glass Court action when the US$64,000 Ace Malaysia Cup starts on Tuesday at the Curve Mall in Selangor.
The world No. 14 is aiming to reach his third PSA Tour final this season, following his German Open victory in April and a runner-up finish at the QSF No. 3 in Doha in May.
Eain Yow, the reigning Asian champion and second seed, is a strong contender in the bronze-level Malaysia Cup, with world No. 11 Youssef Soliman of Egypt heading the field as the top seed.
"I tested the Glass Court yesterday (Saturday), and it was a great experience. The organisers have done a fantastic job setting it up in a shopping mall, which will indirectly promote squash among Malaysians," said the 26-year-old, who has a first-round bye.
Touching on his target, Eain Yow is determined to justify his seeding by reaching the final.
"I have a favourable draw and will likely face fourth seed Abdulla al Tamimi of Qatar in the semi-finals.
I beat Abdulla in last year's Hangzhou Asian Games semi-finals but lost to him in the QSF final.
"I'm prepared to take on any opponent in front of the home fans and hope to make the final.
"Of course, my dream is to win my second PSA Tour crown at home."
Asked on his performance this year, he said his coach is pleased with his progress.
"However, I need to perform even better and win more bronze and silver-level tournaments to climb the world rankings," he added.
Eain Yow will open his campaign in the second round against compatriot Syafiq Kamal or United States' Shahjahan Khan on Wednesday.
Seeded players will play their opening round matches on the Glass Court, while other matches will take place at the Jalan Duta Squash Centre.