No risk no gain – Wee Wern sets sights on worlds despite injury

KUALA LUMPUR: National No. 1 Low Wee Wern is one who is willing to take risks.

She is determined to compete in the women’s World Squash Championships in Cairo, Egypt, starting on Oct 24 despite carrying an injury on her left knee.

The 29-year-old Penangite, who suffered the injury at last month’s Malaysian Open final in Bukit Jalil, has been undergoing treatment at the National Sports Institute (NSI) since last week.

Despite the injury, Wee Wern made her way to the United States Open in Philadelphia but lost in the second round to Salma Hany of Egypt in straight sets.

Wee Wern admitted she has been struggling since picking up the injury three weeks ago.

“I’ve injured the same left knee, which I underwent surgery two years ago. I’m getting help for the last one week, I’ve been getting treatment from the physiotherapist.

“I’m not 100% fit but I don’t want to waste the opportunity to compete in the world championships,” said Wee Wern.

The world No. 25 has a tough route as she has been drawn against world No. 5 Nouran Gohar of Egypt in the first round. Gohar is riding high after winning the recent US Open title.

“I take it positively. It will be a good experience playing Nouran as I don’t get the chance to play with her always,” she said.

“I will not let my injury stop me from giving her a run for her money.”

Three other Malaysian women players will also feature in the world championships – Rachel Arnold (pic), Aifa Azman and S.

Sivasangari.

Rachel, who won the Indian Tour title in Chennai on Thursday, faces 14th seed Hany in the first round while Aifa plays 12th seed Victoria Lust of England.

US-based Sivasangari meets eighth seed Amanda Sobhy of the US.