_-_Abu_Samah_Borhan.jpeg)
KUALA LUMPUR - The flood disaster that struck his family home in Kuala Selangor was no obstacle for national wheelchair tennis player Abu Samah Borhan to win the 2021 Phuket Thailand Open Championship on Monday.
The 36-year-old attributed his success to the unceasing support of his family which motivated him to excel in the four-day tournament which began on Dec 18.
“I got to know (about the flood) when I was already in Phuket. Prior to this, I had informed them that once the tournament had begun, I would not be able to be in constant communication with them like in Malaysia. So they understood this, and gave me the space to focus on the tournament.
“Alhamdulillah, the success I achieved is a blessing from my family in Malaysia,” he said when contacted.
He arrived at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) this afternoon, and intended to get back and help his family with the situation at home.
In the singles finals in Phuket, Abu Samah beat fellow Malaysian Mohamad Yusshazwan Yusuf, 6-4, 7-6.
The two players also put in a proud performance in the men's doubles category, bowing out to Worakit Daengchuen and Banjob Suwan of Thailand 1-6, 6-4, 11-13 in the final.
The Perak-born player said his success in Thailand was the best motivation for him to achieve greater heights at the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China next year, and subsequently book a slot in the 2024 Paris Paralympics. – Bernama, December 24, 2021
