Nicol leads Malaysian challenge in Egypt after Wee Wern’s pullout.
I want to do well but I’ve learnt to be patient with my progress so I did not expect to make the final in Macau.
Low Wee Wern
PETALING JAYA: Low Wee Wern’s brilliant run in the Macau Open proved costly.
Wee Wern, who was the beaten finalist, has pulled out from the El Gouna International Squash Open in Egypt.
The 28-year-old over-exerted her knee and withdrew as a precautionary measure.
“I have not pushed the knee so hard in competition before so it’s fairly sore now. After arriving home, I had it assessed by my physiotherapist and we decided not to take the risk,” said Wee Wern.
“With the Asian Individual Championships (May 1-5 in Kuala Lumpur) in two weeks time, I need to sit out and let the knee rest.”
The former world No. 5 had a serious knee injury that sidelined her for 22 months and she only made her return to the tour in July last year.
She was scheduled to play Egyptian Nadine Shahin in the first round in El Gouna tomorrow.
But despite the pullout, Wee Wern is in high spirits after her fine run in Macau.
“I want to do well but I’ve learnt to be patient with my progress so I did not expect to make the final in Macau,” she said.
“In time I know I can get back to my best. I’m definitely heading in the right direction.
“I had to endure 22 months on the side and I surely won’t be able to get back to my best in just eight months but these are all positive signs as it shows that I still have what it takes to get to the top.”
Malaysia’s challenge in El Gouna will continue with national No. 1 Nicol David taking on Egypt’s Jana Shiha today and Rachel Arnold going up against Canadian Hollie Naughton tomorrow.
In the men’s draw, Ivan Yuen faces England’s Tom Richards in the first round today and Nafiizwan Adnan takes on Omar Abdel Meguid of Egypt tomorrow.