Top national junior player Ariez Elyaas Deen Heesham believes he has grown as a player since his Malaysian Open debut last year.
He has once again been given a wildcard entry into the singles qualifiers.
"I'm a more mature player now. I've learnt so much in the past one year and can think better on the court," said Ariez.
He recalls being nervous ahead of last year's debut. The 18-year-old was then given a break by the Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia (LTAM) in the hope of exposing him to top quality play."It was a big opportunity for me. I got a feel of what top players go through during tournaments."
Ariez had an impressive KL Open recently. He partnered 16-year-old Ahmed Deedat Abdul Razak to the doubles title and made it to the semifinals in the men's singles. He lost to eventual champion Pruchya Itsarow of Thailand.
Joining him in the singles qualifiers is upcoming star Deedat.
His impressive performance in both the junior and men's Davis Cup establishes Deedat as a rising star of Malaysiantennis.
The KL-born teenager has been consistently making semifinal and final outings in the national circuit.
Meanwhile, national No 1 Si Yew Ming will partner 19-year-old American Ryan Harrison in the doubles main draw.
This would be Yew Ming's third Malaysian Open tournament.
"I'm excited as always. I usually play in the singles but this time I'll be concentrating solely on the doubles.
"Perhaps there's a better chance for me to progress," said Yew Ming.
Among the big names competing for the Malaysian Open are Tomas Berdych, Nicolas Almagro, Janko Tipsarevic and Marco Baghdatis.
The organisers still have one wildcard entry left and will leave it late to confirm the place.
The tournament will be held at Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil from Sept 24 till Oct 2. - The Malay Mail
