KUALA LUMPUR: Promising squash player C. Ameeshenraj has spent the past two years training in Bristol, and it has clearly paid dividends for the youngster from Negri Sembilan.
The 19-year-old has already achieved his goal of breaking into the top-150 of the world rankings before the end of the year. He is currently no 136.
Though pleased with his progress, Ameeshenraj is aware that he still has a long way to go.
He won the PSNS President's Trophy in Seremban in June.
"My training has been going well in Bristol. My coaches John Welton and Hadrian Stiff have been working with me for the past two years and have always been helpful and supportive at every step of my PSA career," said Ameeshenraj today.
"Getting to train with players like national No. 1 Ng Eain Yow and world No. 8 Marwan El Shorbagy (Egypt) has been a real eye opener.
"I would say that I had a pretty good year in PSA, as I did climb up the rankings and achieved my goal (this year). But going into the bigger tournaments, I realise that there is so much more room for improvement and lots more stuff to work on."
Ameeshenraj will be competing for Malaysia at the World Team Championships in New Zealand (Dec 11-17) alongside players such as Addeen Idrakie, Sanjay Jeeva and Hafiz Zharif.
'I am really looking forward to competing with some of the top players in the world and just really testing myself against the top guys," he added.
"It will also be my first time playing in New Zealand, so I hope it will be a good trip in general. I am also hoping to play in bigger tournaments towards the end of the year."
Ameeshenraj will next compete at the Northern Joe Cup (PSA 9k) in Manchester, which begins tomorrow. He will face Frenchman Paul Gonzalez in the first round.
