Wee Wern shows true grit to overcome Kah Yah for semis spot

KUALA LUMPUR: Former world No. 5 Low Wee Wern (pic) is back on form in the women’s Premier Division of the 34th Ohana National Squash Championships.

The Penangite, who was sidelined for 20 months due to injuries, was stretched to the limit by Ooi Kah Yan of Negri Sembilan in their quarter-final match yesterday.

Second seed Wee Wern had to dig deep into her reserves before prevailing 11-4, 11-8, 10-12, 9-11, 11-6 on the glass court at the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil.

Wee Wern will face joint third-fourth seed Aifa Azman of Kedah for a place in the final.

Aifa, the British Junior Open Under-17 champion, won in straight sets against Nazihah Hanis Abdul Razak of Kedah 11-5, 12-10, 11-7 in another quarter-final match.

Wee Wern said that Kah Yan really played well and gave her a good fight to win the third and fourth sets.

“But I managed to hang in there. I won because I have more experience then her. After the long layoff, I was definitely a bit rusty. It took me a while to find my tactics and my space on court,” said Wee Wern, who will turn 27 on July 25.

“I was struggling in the third and fourth sets and I need to play more matches to get back my rhythm. It was different playing on a glass court as it was a bit slippery. I almost slipped a few times.

“I feel physically fresh despite playing five sets today and am looking forward to tomorrow’s semi-final match,” said Wee Wern.

Top seed S. Sivasangari also advanced into the semi-finals with a hard fought 11-4, 10-12, 11-8, 7-11, 11-4 win over Chan Yiwen of the Federal Territory.

Sivasangari will face join third-fourth seed Rachel Arnold in the semis.

The 19-year-old Sivasangari from Kedah was unhappy with her game as she did not played to form.

“I didn’t play well and Yiwen took advantage. But I am glad I won. I need to buck up my game and play much better against Rachel as I can expect a tough match,” said Sivasangari.

In the men’s competition, all the top four seeded players advanced into the semi-finals.

Second seed Ng Eain Yow defeated Dareen Rahul of Negri Sembilan 11-5, 12-10, 11-5 to set up a date with defending champion Ivan Yuen in the last four.

Top seed Muhd Nafiizwan Adnan had no problems beating Muhd Asyraf Azan in straight sets with a 13-11, 11-6, 11-6 victory.

The Commonwealth Games bronze medallist will take on joint third-fourth seed Muhd Syafiq Kamal of Kelantan for a place in the final.