Former world No. 5 Low ready to roar in Lion City

PETALING JAYA: Former world No. 5 Low Wee Wern (pic) will finally make an emotional return to competition at the Singapore Open after her fourth knee surgery 13 months ago.

Wee Wern, whose career was disrupted by knee injuries that started about eight years ago, had to undergo a surgery last year after brief comeback to Professional Squash Association (PSA) world tour, which put her career under threat.

The Singapore Open which begins today will see Wee Wern, ranked 444th in the world, play world No. 22 Nadine Shahin of Egypt and irrespective of the outcome of the match, squash fans and well wishers would be delighted with Wee Wern’s remarkable return.

Her long-time coach Aaron Soyza said her fighting qualities and determination are exemplary for younger generation of squash players.

“Wee Wern had undergone three surgeries on her left knee and the fourth on her right knee last year. Any player from Malaysia would have given up long ago but she decided to fight back and play professional squash again,” said Aaron.

“The latest corrective surgery had forced to change her footwork where her knee position would be in a little awkward angle but she has still managed to adjust and had continued her recovery.

“It is a joy for her fans, friends and well wishers to see her competing in the PSA circuit again.

“She is going to be very rusty and is playing a top 25 player and it is not going to be easy. Winning would be almost a miracle but her biggest victory is that she is back to doing what she loves most.”

Wee Wern will also play in the Malaysian Open squash next week where she is down to play compatriot Chan Yiwen in the first round.

Besides Wee Wern, the rest of the Malaysian players would be aiming to make amends after a frustrating Asian Team squash championships campaign in Cheongjun, South Korea, 10 days ago.

Malaysia, without key players Ivan Yuen and S. Sivasangari, failed to defend their men’s and women’s crowns.

In the men’s event in Singapore, Ng Eain Yow will be involved in a rematch of the Asian Team where he will play Saurav Ghosal of India in the first round today.

Ivan, who also returns from a knee injury, will play Gregoire Marche of France in the opener.

In the women’s event, Aifa Azman faces a tough opening match against Olivia Clye of the United States while Rachel Arnold plays Tesni Evans of Wales.