Eain Yow falls as compatriots march into last eight

JAYA: Aifa Azman, Rachel Arnold and Addeen Idrakie marched into the quarter-finals of the Malaysian Open squash championships but Ng Eain Yow suffered another agonising defeat to his Welsh tormentor Joel Makin in the second round at the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil yesterday.

Aifa, the defending champion, cruised past compatriot Ainaa Amani Ampandi 11-6, 11-4, 11-8 in just 21 minutes.

The world No. 21, who will next meet second seed and Belgium’s world No. 14 Nele Gilis in the last eight, was happy to get the job done in three games.

“Although I trailed a few times, I refocused and came back. It was good to win in three games,” said Aifa.

“Nele is a runner and very fit and now plays her shots more. I have never played against her but she has changed her game a lot and it will be a challenge.

“Anyway, I prefer playing against shot-making players and I’m looking forward to doing well against Nele.

“The Open has attracted some top class players and I’m hoping for fans to come in full force and give their support as it will boost our confidence.”

Meanwhile, Rachel came from a game behind to overcome England’s Grace Gear 10-12, 12-10, 11-7, 11-9 in 38 minutes.

Rachel, the world No. 26, will have to raise her level against Nadine Shahin (No. 23), who defeated her Egyptian compatriot Nour Aboulmakarim 11-6, 11-3, 11-13, 10-12, in the quarters.

“I wasn’t focused in the match and I need to do better tomorrow (today). Probably, I was a little nervous because this is a home event but I have warmed up for tomorrow,” said Rachel.

“I’ve played Nadine before and lost a couple of times. She hits the ball really well and I must control the game and not let her attack.”

Addeen continued his fiery run when he overcame world No. 19 Raphael Kandra of Germany 4-11, 11-7, 13-11, 9-11, 11-8 in 66 minutes.

Meanwhile, it was heartbreak for Eain Yow as the world No. 20 allowed Makin to snatch a comefrom-behind win. The Welshman won 11-6, 6-11, 8-11, 11-9, 11-5 in 69 minutes.

“I blew my chance as I was leading in the fourth game. I need to be stronger in those situations if I want to be a top 10 player,” said Eain Yow.

“A little bit of inexperience from me while he knew how to win points, not necessarily play better squash and I must see what I need to do to compete with these guys.”

It was also the end of the road for Chan Yiwen who lost 12-10, 11-4, 11-5 to Melissa Alves of France.