Aifa’s ready to go far again as she plots stunner in home meet

KUALA LUMPUR: National junior squash player Aifa Azman is hungry for more success after winning back-to-back tournaments in Australia last month.

The 17-year-old hopes to keep the momentum going at the Malaysian Open starting on Wednesday at the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil.

She defied the odds to capture the North Coast Open and Melbourne Open titles and she was aptly rewarded with a spot in the World Championships in Cairo, Egypt, from Oct 21-Nov 1 for the good showing.

Aifa wants to pull off a surprise in the home meet although the draw is challenging.

The draw looks rather tough but nothing is impossible.

Aifa Azman

The unseeded Kedahan opens her campaign against Nadia Pfister of Switzerland in the first round. If she wins, she will likely face the toughest challenge against national No. 1 and defending champion Low Wee Wern in the second round.

“I believe I’m in the right frame of mind to play another exciting game of squash in the Malaysian Open,” said Aifa, the World Junior Championships semi-finalist.

“The draw looks rather tough but nothing is impossible.

“I’ve never played Pfister before but I’m not too concerned about her. The biggest challenger will be Wee Wern.

“I’ve only played against her once in the semi-finals of the National Championships and I lost narrowly (2-3). I’m more confident now.

“I just need to stay focused and produce the same fighting spirit to go beyond the second round in the Malaysian Open,” added Aifa.

She is hoping a good showing at home would stand her in a good stead ahead of the world meet in Cairo.

“I’ll also compete in the Indian Challenger in Chennai next month (Oct 13-17) before the world meet,” said Aifa, whose younger sister Aika will also feature in the Malaysian Open.

Aika faces teammate Wen Li Lai in the first round.