Local Stars looking to shine at the Open
The Singapore Squash Open wildcards are Au Yeong Wai Yhann and Samuel Kang!
At just 23 years old, Wai Yhann has already amassed five national titles with many more years ahead of her. Born into a squash family, her dad is a squash coach, and her younger sister Wai Iynn is one of the top juniors in Singapore.
A psychology student at the University of West England, she proves her capability in managing studies and squash, as she broke into the top 100 in the world, her highest world rank thus far. At her biggest tournament yet, Wai Yhann will finally have the chance to compete against the world’s best on home grounds, in front of a familiar crowd.
Due to meet Canada’s Hollie Naughton in the first round, catch our local star on 15 November 6:45PM at OCBC Arena!
Samuel Kang is considered a late starter, having only picked up a squash racket at 13. His school coach Victor Koh recalls Samuel, or Skang as he is known to his friends, nearly not make the cut for the school team. Since then, Samuel has gone on to be the undisputed top men player in the last couple years, having clinched his 5th consecutive national title in March this year.
A key player for the Princeton University Tigers, Samuel played 1 at the Collegiate Squash Association, and captained the team for two years. Samuel even had the chance to share the court with big players such as Ali Farag during the CSA National Collegiate Individual Championships. Olivia Fiechter, Samuel’s junior in Princeton, even described Samuel as one of the most hardworking athletes she’s ever met.
Ranked just outside of 200, Samuel has achieved a career high of 155 in December. Even as a new father, Samuel has still been training hard in preparation for the tournament. Samuel is set to face Germany’s Raphael Kandra on 15 November 7:30pm at OCBC Arena.
Come show your support for our local talents!