Wee Wern made to work hard for win
PETALING JAYA: Former world No. 5 Low Wee Wern huffed and puffed before clearing the first qualifying round of the China Open squash championships in Shanghai.
Wee Wern, a three-time winner in China (2011, 2012, 2014) needed a wildcard entry to make the qualifiers after she slumped to No. 31 in the world following her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury last year.
The 26-year-old Penangite however made the best of her opportunity with a hard fought 11-13, 11-7, 6-11, 11-5, 11-8 win over world No. 30 Fiona Moverley of England.
Wee Wern, who reached the main draw of the Hong Kong Open last week, takes on Joey Chan for a place in the main draw.
Hong Kong world No. 20 Joey eliminated compatriot Liu Tsz Ling 11-3, 11-4, 11-5 in just 26 minutes.
“It was a crazy grind today. I’ve never played Fiona before but she had some good results so I knew it would be tough,” said Wee Wern.
“I was trailing for most of the match and her shots were pretty accurate in the first three sets.
“But I mananged to work my way in and steadied myself to win.”
There were further upset with world No. 35 Salma Hany of Egypt bundling out Denmark’s world No. 24 Line Hansen 11-5, 6-11, 11-6, 11-6.
The 20-year-old Salma takes on Belgian youngster Nele Gilis, who defeated world No. 26 Nicolette Fernandes 11-5, 11-8, 11-13, 8-11, 11-6, next.
In the men’s event, national No. 1 Mohd Nafiizwan Adnan needed five sets to defeat team-mate Ivan Yuen.
The world No. 33 won 6-11, 12-10, 11-5, 8-11, 11-3 and will next face Mexico’s Cesar Salazar.