Aifa fast becoming new squash darling with change in routine
PETALING JAYA: A change in routine has seen teenage squash player Aifa Azman enjoy a blistering start to the year.
The 16-year-old started off the year by winning her third British Junior Open title and followed up with three Professional Squash Association (PSA) Tour titles.
In doing so, Aifa claimed the honour of being Malaysia’s youngest pro winner and the fastest three-title winner on the tour this year.
National junior coach Andrew Cross believes that Aifa, who has been very receptive to the changes, is certainly showing the results on court.
“We got her to think more professionally since last December.
“There wasn’t too many drastic changes. It was more of the little things she does such as her diet and recovery after training or matches.
“And the results are really showing. Her physical side was what let her down a little last year but she’s in a much better position now.
“Of course we never really expected her to go on and win three titles this fast because the initial plan was just to give her more matches and exposure.
“I do believe that as long as she’s hungry and wants to keep learning, there’s no reason for her not to keep winning.
“It is, however, also important to keep her grounded and level-headed and to not develop a superstar mentality so that she can keep on improving,” said Englishman Cross.
Aifa’s meteoric rise has seen her climb to a career high No. 76 in the world and also earned a spot in the team for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games next month.
But for now, Cross his targeting his protege to put up another strong showing at the Malaysian Tour Squash Circuit (SSJM) No. 7 which starts in Kuching today.
She is the third seed and starts against a qualifier. The Kedahan is expected to make the semi-finals to face top seed Jemyca Aribado of the Philippines.