PETALING JAYA, May 28 — Ariez Elyaas Deen Heshaam says playing in the US has improved his game after the national player won the men’s singles in the BMW National Circuit second leg.
“My game has matured since I went there more than two years ago. We get to play against various opponents all the time. I am more experienced after playing against players with different styles,” said the 22-year-old, who beat Assri Merzuki 1-6, 6-1, 7-6 (7-2) in the final.
The Kentucky University business undergraduate, who also clinched the National Circuit Masters title in 2012, said the victory was sweeter as he had worked hard for it.
“My performance in the national circuit has always been good, but this title is made sweeter because of the hard work I put in. From the quarterfinals, I had to slog through three games to win,” said Ariez, who triumphed in three hours.
The son of national coach Deen Heshaam said victory was an ideal tune-up for the SEA Games in Singapore next month as he prepares for a podium finish.
“Thailand and the Philippines will be tough opponents, but I will try my best to win at least bronze. We have yet to win a medal in the individual event and I hope to be the one to change that.”
Yus Syazlin Nabila was another player who did well at the halfway stage of the four-leg National Circuit when she teamed up with Belinda Chai to beat Linda Liong-Uma Nayar 6-1, 6-2 to win the women’s doubles title.
“There were not many players in the draw, but we worked hard for the win. Belinda and I were on song and this win definitely motivates me ahead of the SEA Games,” said the 17-year-old, who also clinched the singles and doubles title at the second leg of the national circuit in 2013.
Indonesia’s Sagung Putri took home the women’s singles title after defeating Michelle Khoo 6-1, 4-6, 6-1 while Assri teamed up with Syed Mohd Agil Syed Naguib to down Koay Hao Seng-Si Yew Meng 6-3, 4-6 (10-6) to capture the men’s doubles title.
