Teenage pro Aifa eager to prove herself against seniors

KUALA LUMPUR: Junior squash player Aifa Azman (pic) may be only 15 years old, but that hasn’t stopped her from turning professional.

And, having joined the pro ranks last month, the Alor Setarborn world No. 202 Aifa is all fired up to give her best and help Malaysia retain the girls’ title in the Under-19 Asian Junior Squash Team Championships, which starts at the Hong Kong Sports Club today.

The teenager has done well despite her tender age.

Last year, she defied the odds to beat several professional players to reach two semi-finals in the Malaysian Tour Squash Circuit (SSJM).

The Form Four student of SMK Sultanah Asma in Alor Setar, however, is only a reserve in the four-member girls’ team compet- ing in Hong Kong. The others are world No. 48 S. Sivasangari, Zoe Foo and Andrea Lee.

“I turned pro at an early age as I have proven myself in the SSJM ... that I can challenge and beat professional players,” said Aifa, who featured in 10 legs of the SSJM last year.

“Although I’m the reserve player in Asian Juniors team, I’m looking forward to playing at least three to four matches in the tournament.

“I believe that I have the ability to beat the older players in the competition and help Malaysia retain the girls’ team title.”

Nine girls’ teams will feature in the Asian Juniors. Top seeds Malaysia are in Group A with Taiwan, Macau, South Korea and Singapore while Group B comprises second seeds Hong Kong, Japan, India and Sri Lanka.

The Malaysian boys’ team, who are also the defending champions, are in Group B and will be led by Mohd Farez Izwan. The other players are Darren Rahul Pragasam, Ong Sai Hung and Hafiz Zhafri. They have Sri Lanka, Singapore, Hong Kong, Jordan and Taiwan for company.

Group A comprises top seeds India, Pakistan, Iran, Japan, South Korea and Macau.