Andrea the avengerger
Teenager wants Egypt’s scalp after individual loss
PETALING JAYA: For Andrea Lee, revenge is a good motivational tool.
The world No. 80 lost a thrilling five- setter to eventual champion Rowan Reda of Egypt in the quarter-finals of the individual event at the World Junior Squash Championships in Tauranga, New Zealand, last week.
Bent on setting the record straight against Egypt in the team event, the 18-year-old Andrea inspired second seeds Malaysia to a thumping 3-0 win over Germany in their opening Group B match yesterday.
With world No. 59 S. Sivasangari rested, Andrea started as the team’s No. 1 and she took just 18 minutes to beat Saskia Beinhard 11-8, 11-3, 11-4.
Aifa Azman, 15, then confirmed victory with an 11-1, 11-5, 11-2 triumph over Eva Nistler.
Zoe Foo completed the rout by trouncing Alice Kramer 11-3, 11-2, 11-3.
“I was disappointed at losing to Rowan in the quarter-finals of the individual event but I was pleased with the way I played,” said Andrea.
“I proved that I’m not that far behind the Egyptian girls. I’m definitely hoping to get my revenge on them in the team event.
“Anyway, it’s good that we started strongly and got through our first match in the team event.
“I’m definitely up for the challenge as this is my last world juniors.”
Malaysia will meet Canada today and should win to seal their spot in the quarter-finals as group winners.
In yesterday’s other matches, top seeds Egypt, who are seeking their sixth successive title, won both their Group A matches against Australia and New Zealand with 3- 0 score lines.
Third seeds England also enjoyed a strong start in Group C – beating India and France 3-0.