The 2011 KL Open presents an opportunity for both Nafizwan Adnan of Malaysia and Ali Farag of Egypt.
Adnan, the event's Wildcard recipient, benefits from the seeding as well and is pitted against a qualifier. Make no mistake: Farag is no rollover. It will surely be a contrast in styles as the fit, strong and durable Adnan has a sound traditional game and relies more on his legs than his racket, keeping things straight rather than a free-flowing open game.
Farag, the event's youngest entry at 18 years, is enjoying the event after wins over Kamran Khan and Siddarth Suchde. While I've yet to watch anything more than his first game against Suchde, its hard to come to a conclusion on his game other than his racket capabilities. Physically he is David and not Goliath. At a glance, you'd think Mohammed Abbas brought a relative along, exaggerated ever more with the newly shaved head. Furthermore, to date Farag has been under siege on court for two hours whereas the fresh Adnan just wants to play. Can Farag respond and dictate yet another physical match with his racket? Adnan is at an advantage and will make the most of it, playing patient squash against the youngster.
Otherwise, Farag joins Abbas, Mohamed El Shorbagy and Karim Darwish in the first round - and none of them play the other. What a feat for Egypt squash.
-- Will Mather
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