Keo Claims Semi-Final Place in Malaysia

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Malaysian World No.131 Elvinn Keo was the sole home player to make it through to the semi-final of the Malaysian Squash Tour III, PSA M10 tournament after producing a strong display to defeat Hong Kong’s Chi Him Wong in the last eight.

Keo had the better of the opening exchanges and powered into a one-game lead, only to see Chi battle back to bring the match back to all square in the second.

However, Keo soon rediscovered his rhythm and he outmanoeuvred his opponent in games three and four to secure the win. The 27-year-old reached the final of the previous instalment of the Malaysian Tour last week and is one win away from reaching the same stage this time around.

“I felt like I really played like an old man out there, I was so slow and could hardly move,” said Elvinn to The Star

“My experience got me through, slowing down the game really helped me. Hopefully, my body can recover for another match.”

Number two seed Piedro Schweertman, who came through a dramatic five-game thriller with Spain’s Iker Pajares Bernabeu to reach the last four, will go up against Keo in the semi-final as he bids to reach his first PSA World Tour final since November.

Rex Hedrick and Carlos Cornes Ribadas will do battle in the other semi-final fixture after Hedrick overcame wildcard Eain Yow Ng, who was aiming for two Malaysian Tour titles in a row, and Ribadas defeated compatriot Bernat Jaume.

Results – Quarter-Final: Malaysian Squash Tour III 2016
[1] Rex Hedrick (AUS) bt [WC] Eain Yow Ng (MAS) 3-1: 11-4, 8-11, 11-4, 13-11 (64m)
[4] Carlos Cornes Ribadas (ESP) v [Q] Bernat Jaume (ESP) 3-1: 11-9, 11-3, 8-11, 13-11 (61m)
Elvinn Keo (MAS) bt [5] Chi Him Wong (HKG) 3-1: 11-4, 4-11, 11-6, 11-7 (41m)
[2] Piedro Schweertman (NED) bt [7] Iker Pajares Bernabeu (ESP) 3-2: 13-11, 7-11, 11-9, 10-12, 11-7 (80m)

Draw – Semi-Final
[1] Rex Hedrick (AUS) v [4] Carlos Cornes Ribadas (ESP)
Elvinn Keo (MAS) v [2] Piedro Schweertman (NED)