Aira hopes to make good at Asian junior meet
By K. RAJAN SEPANG: British Junior Open (BJO) bridesmaid Aira Azman is ready to step up in her next assignment – the Asian Junior Team Championships in Pattaya from Jan 16-20.
Malaysia were champions in the girl’s event and silver medallist in the boys category in the last Asian Junior Team Championships which was held in Hong Kong in 2017. This time around, Malaysia are expected to win both events in Pattaya based on their strong showing in the British Juniors.
Five Malaysian qualified for five finals of the BJO with M. Nickhileswar and Ameeshenraj Chandran coming out tops in the boys’ Under-11 and boys’ Under-15 events respectively.
Finishing second were Harith Danial Jefri (boys’ Under 13), Whitney Wilson (girls’ Under-11) and Aira (girls’ Under-15).
Aira said she has identified her shortcoming and is raring to go in Pattaya.
“I’m a bit disappointed for not winning the final but I have tried my best and I’m grateful to reach the stage. I made some errors in the fourth set. It’s a great learning curve for the 2019 season,” said Aira at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) yesterday.
“I’m focused on fixing my mistakes and I’m ready to play in the next tournament and win it.”
Meanwhile, Harith who’s playing for the second time in the BJO said that he had a good outing and is happy with his overall performance.
“It was my dream to play in the BJO in the final so I’m glad to reach the final and I think I was unlucky after missing two match balls in the game,” said the Miri local.
“It is a good lesson for me and I’m looking forward to keep on improving my game. I also need to thank my parents, coaches and teammates for their support.”