Fibre Broadband company OHANA Communications, a member of the OMESTI Group, is continuing its commitment to the national squash programme through its title sponsorship of the upcoming OHANA Malaysian Open. The tournament, which forms part of the Professional Squash Association world series, will be staged from 16th-21st October 2017 at the Nicol David Arena, National Sports Complex, Bukit Jalil.

Former Junior National Squash Champion Gerard Monteiro who is Executive Director of OMESTI, confirmed the company’s ongoing support, saying, “The Open is a prestigious tournament and is an important vehicle for our national athletes to showcase their talent against other regional and international players.” The event is being organised by the Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia [SRAM] and is expected to attract some of the top players from around the region, including Malaysia’s top seeds.

“We believe it is important to provide sustainable support that will enable young and upcoming players to develop their talent and receive due recognition on the international squash circuit. We hope that our involvement as Title Sponsor of the Open will help the game of squash increase its profile in the world of sport alongside other favourites such as badminton and tennis,” added Mr Monteiro.

The top seed in the men’s draw is Alan Clyne (World No. 25), the Scottish No.1 player who has bagged 8 PSA titles. He is joined in the top half with 3rd seeded, Leo Au (HKG – World No. 28). Leo Au is one of Hong Kong’s most successful players and has several PSA titles.

Malaysian player 2nd seeded Mohd Nafiizwan (World No. 29) and 4th seeded, Ivan Yuen (World No.41) are also in the line-up while Wild Card entry and 2016 World Junior Champion, Ng Eain Yow (MAS – World No.77), comes into this championship fresh and confident after his singles Gold Medal at the recent SEA Games.

In the women’s line-up, top seed Zeina Mickawy (EGY – World No.46) is joined by Malaysian Rachael Arnold (MAS – World No. 50) as 2nd seed, 4th seed and fellow Malaysian, Sivasangari Subramaniam (World No.47) with 3rd seed, Alexandra Fuller (RSA – World No.59) making up the first four.

OHANA first tied up with SRAM under its Title Sponsorship of the re-launched OHANA-SRAM Squash League, primarily targeted for social players. The company has also provided support to two rounds of National Championships and the Malaysian Doubles Championships.

SRAM Director Major (R) S. Maniam said, “SRAM is most thankful to OHANA for taking up the baton of sponsoring the Open. We are excited to be working with the OHANA team again and thank them for their continued support of the game we all love.”