Wen Li powers past team-mate to reach her first final

KUALA LUMPUR: Lai Wen Li was all smiles after powering to her firstever Asian Junior Squash Championships final.

The 16yearold Wen Li controlled the pace to edge training partner Ooi Kah Yan 118, 119, 119 in the semifinals of the girls’ Under17 category at the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil yesterday.

The fifthseeded Kah Yan went into the match on a high, having beaten second seed Cheng Nga Ching of Hong Kong in the quarterfinals on Thursday.

But Sabahan Wen Li played some of her best squash of the week to win in 31 minutes and earn herself a shot at the title against top seed Bubble Lui of Hong Kong.

The 15yearold Bubble was also on fire, needing just 22 minutes to beat Malaysia’s Nur Aliah Izzati in the other semifinal.

“Kah Yan has been playing well, so I knew I needed to step it up against her,” said Wen Li.

“I’m happy to have won, especially since I had lost to her twice this year.

“I definitely want to try and win the title. It won’t be easy against Bubble, who has improved a lot since I last played against her three years ago.”

In the girls’ Under19 category, top seed S. Sivasangari stayed on track for her fourth Asian Junior title after thumping compatriot Zoe Foo in the semifinals.

The 17yearold Kedahan delivered devastating forehand winners to send Zoe packing 115, 115, 115 in just 17 minutes.

“I controlled the game today and, after I took the first set, Zoe couldn’t find a way back,” said Sivasangari.

“I really want to add the Under19 title to my collection ... I’ve won all three agegroups in the past.”

The world No. 63 will face Japan’s Satomi Watanabe for the title.

Penangbased Watanabe made the final after ousting defending champion Andrea Lee, who retired while trailing 711, 611, 48.

In the Under15 category, top seed Aifa Azman had little trouble beating fellow Kedahan Wong Heng Wai 117, 119, 112 to set up a final against Hong Kong’s Chan Sin Yuk.

Aifa’s younger sister – Aira – also made the Under13 final. The 11yearold, however, had to come from behind to beat compatriot Yee Xin Ying 112, 911, 911, 118, 116 to set up a meeting with Hong Kong’s Kirstie Wong.