Malaysian star's singles win helps squash doubts after team bronze

Defending men's team squash champion Malaysia experienced a setback, suffering a 2-0 defeat against India in the semifinals at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre a week ago, ultimately securing a bronze medal when Malaysia's top player, Eain Yow Ng, lost to India's Saurav Ghosal.

However, in a thrilling men's singles final on Thursday, Ng redeemed himself, turning the tables on Ghosal by beating him 3-1 to clinch the gold.

"The first two games were so tough — 11-9 each, but in the end, it was just a bit of a mental challenge," the 25-year-old said after the victory.

"I was happy to get through today. To have made my first final, I really wanted to enjoy it, especially after the disappointment of last week."

Five years ago, Ng and his teammates won the men's team gold, so losing in the semifinal in Hangzhou was tough for him. However, he took lessons from the loss to Ghosal and changed his mindset in the singles final — by starting to enjoy himself.

Ng recalled that both players made few errors, and there was a lot of retrieving in the intense final. He believed that he just needed to stay strong and have confidence that he could win, especially in the last two sets.

Ng spoke highly of his 37-year-old opponent.

"All credit to Saurav. What a legend! If you watch him over the last two weeks, he has played unbelievably," he said.