Aifa eases into SSJM No. 3 semi-final

KUALA LUMPUR: Aifa Azman is on track for a second straight Professional Squash Association (PSA) Tour title.

The 16-year-old was on fire as she eased into the semi-finals of the Malaysian Tour Squash Circuit (SSJM) No. 3 at the NSC Squash Centre, Jalan Duta, yesterday.

The three-time British Junior Open winner was simply too strong as she sent fourth seed Sadia Gul of Pakistan packing 11-6, 11-3, 12-10 in the quarter-finals.

Aifa, who bagged the SSJM No. 2 crown last week, beat Switzerland’s Cindy Merlo 11-6 ,9-11, 11-6, 16-14 in the first round earlier in the day.

The world No. 105 now have the daunting challenge of taking on top seed and world No. 46 Tong Tsz Wing of Hong Kong in the last four.

The 25-year-old Tsz Wing whipped Malaysian youngster Ooi Kah Yan 11-1, 11-6, 11-1 in the last eight.

“It was two tough matches for me today. It was hard in the first round because I have never played against Cindy before and I wasn’t sure what to expect.

“It’s going to be another tough match in the semi-finals. Tsz Wing is a top 50 player, so she is really on a different level.

“She is also very fit and I need to play my shots well in order to stand a chance.

“I certainly hope to make it through to the final because I’m hoping for a second title,” said Aifa.

Second seed Andrea Lee survived a massive scare from junior teammate Chan Yiwen before prevailing in five sets.

The world No. 80, who missed four months of action with a shoulder injury, dug deep before edging the 17-year-old Yiwen 6-11, 7-11, 11-4, 11-4, 13-11.