Aifa’s low-key approach may unlock another gem in home tourney

PETALING JAYA: Squash player Aifa Azman plans to use the same low-key approach to enjoy another fairytale run in the Malaysian Open.

Last year, she entered the tournament as a wildcard but went all the way to beat top seed Salma Hany of Egypt to secure her maiden home crown at the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil.

Since then, both Aifa and Salma have made strides as the former moved up to world No. 24 in the world while the Egyptian did better by reaching the world No. 10 spot.

Aifa hopes to take baby steps again in her title defence in the Professional Squash Association (PSA) world tour event that begins tomorrow.

She will only know her opponent tomorrow as the women’s event will see a re-draw after the withdrawal of four players, including world No. 13 and top seed Tinne Gilis of Belgium, but Aifa is not too concerned about who she is expected to face in the first round.

“I came into the Malaysian Open last year as a wildcard and it was a memorable event for me as I went all the way to win it. This is a fresh tournament and I will have to start from scratch,” said Aifa.

“I will take the same approach, focusing on one match at a time and gradually build on the momentum.

“The PSA tour is very tough and the competition is keen. I normally don’t look at the ranking or the reputation of a player but just go in and give it my best shot.”

Aifa also had a decent outing at the Singapore Open last week where she defeated world No. 20 Olivia Clyne of the United States in five games (11-8, 9-11, 11-7, 13-15, 11-2) before losing 6-11, 14-16, 4-11 to world No. 6 Nour El Tayeb of Egypt in the second round.

With the top 10 players not featuring in the women’s event, Aifa will have a better chance to do well in Kuala Lumpur.

“I’ve played and trained in this court for more than a decade and it’s like a home to me. I’ve won a few titles here and with family, friends and fans cheering, it will be a huge boost for me,” added Aifa.

Besides Aifa, the other participants are Rachel Arnold, Chan Yiwen, Yee Xin Ying and former world No. 5 Low Wee Wern, who made her comeback after a 13-month layoff at the Singapore Open last week.

Top Malaysian pro Ng Eain Yow, who reached the quarter-finals in Singapore, Ivan Yuen, Addeen Idrakie, Syafiq Kamal and wildcard Ong Sai Hung will be competing in the men’s event.