Yiwen stuns top seed Tze Lok in SSJM No. 4 quarter-finals
KUALA LUMPUR: Youngster Chan Yiwen finally found her winning touch in the Malaysian Tour Squash Circuit (SSJM) No. 4.
The 17-year-old, who has failed to go beyond the quarter-finals in the last three legs, created the biggest upset to stun world No. 48 and top seed Ho Tze Lok of Hong Kong to reach the semi-finals yesterday.
The world No. 127 Yiwen played exceptionally well for a 13-11, 6-11, 14-12, 11-7 win in 50 minutes at the Royal Lake Club to set up a match against sixth seed Aifa Azman.
Yiwen, who is waiting for her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) results, was thrilled.
“I’ve beaten a player, who is 79 rungs higher than me in the world ranking for the first time,” said Yiwen, who turned professional last month.
“It’s my first meeting against the more experienced Tze Lok. I played without pressure and it’s one of my best games.
The Kuala Lumpur lass, who started her A Level studies at the Taylor College last month, hopes to keep the momentum going.
“I last played against Aifa in the MSSM (National Schools) Under-18 girls’ final and I lost 3-1. I hope to do well this time,” said Yiwen.
The 16-year-old Aifa, who won the British Junior Open Under-17 title in Birmingham last month, had no problems beating compatriot Nazihah Hanis 11-6, 11-6, 11-4 in 23 minutes.
It will be an all-Malaysian semi-final affair in the women’s competition with Wen Li Lai taking on Ma Si Yi in the other match.
In the men’s competition, unseeded Elvinn Keo upset fifth seed Henry Leung of Hong Kong 11-6, 11-9, 8-11, 11-9 to set up a date with to seed Tan Ming Hong of Hong Kong.