KUALA LUMPUR: All eyes will be on Bristol-based squash player Harith Danial Jefri when the British Junior Open (BJO) begins in Birmingham on Jan 2.
The Sarawak-born, who won bronze at the World Junior Championships in Texas in July, is the top seed for the boys' Under-19 event and a strong contender for the title in Birmingham.
Malaysia last claimed the Under-19 title through Ong Beng Hee in 1998.
National coach Andrew Cross believes Harith is Malaysia's best hope to end the boys' Under-19 title drought.
"Harith's main challenge will likely come in the semi-finals, where he is drawn to face England's Abdallah Eissa," said Cross.
"Harith and Abdallah have met twice this year, with each recording one win."
Should Harith prevail, he is expected to face second seed Youssef Salem of Egypt in the final.
Compatriot Low Wa Sern is the third seed in the same category.
Malaysia will field 35 players across 10 categories at the BJO.
In the last edition, Egypt made history by sweeping all titles.
Harleein Tan remains Malaysia's most recent champion at the BJO, having won the girls' Under-11 title in 2020.