TAURANGA: Sanjay Jeeva upset world No. 77 Salaheldin Eltorgman to help Malaysia edge Canada 2-1 in the ninth to 16th playoff at the men's World Team Squash Championship in Tauranga, New Zealand yesterday.
Following the win, Malaysia ranked joint 13th, will play in the ninth to 12th playoffs.
National No. 2 Addeen Idrakie lost the first tie, 10-12, 7-11, 11-9, 6-11 to David Baillargeon. But teenager C. Ameeshenraj levelled the score with a 11-5, 11-6, 11-5 win over Brett Schille.
The United States-based Sanjay, playing for the first time for Malaysia, produced a brilliant game of squash to upset Salaheldin 11-4, 11-7, 11-8 to secure the winning point for Malaysia.
Malaysia had earlier lost 3-0 to defending champions Egypt in the group stage and 2-0 to second-ranked England in the round of 16.
Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia coaching director Major (rtd) S. Maniam said he was delighted with the victory over joint ninth seed Canada, who are ranked higher than Malaysia.
"The win put us in the top 12 position which was our target with this team of backup players. It is really a good result.
"Addeen gave his best but his opponent (David) was too good for him. Ameeshenraj played a fast and furious game and his opponent could not cope with it.
"Sanjay played a good game of squash with some shots to upset higher ranked Salaheldin in straight sets to give us the victory.
"We will be playing the ninth to 12th classification match either against Nigeria or Czech Republic next."
