Ivan, Aifa find Egyptians too hot to handle

PETALING JAYA: The spirited runs of Ivan Yuen and Aifa Azman at the Hong Kong Open squash championships came to an end at the last-16 stage yesterday.

Ivan, the world No. 71, found the going tough against world No. 3 Mohamed El Shorbagy and suffered an 6-11, 6-11, 8-11 defeat in 23 minutes.

Another Egyptian Hania El Hammamy, who is ranked third in the world, took just 27 minutes to send Aifa packing 11-6, 11-4, 11-8.

“I played against Aifa many times in the juniors, so I knew what to expect from her and how tricky it can be to play against her.

“I had to be on my toes and tried to stick to my game plan as much as I could. I’m pleased I managed to do that,” said El Hammamy.

As for Ivan, the Hong Kong Open was the first tournament in the last six months that he has managed to go beyond the first round and his run may help him climb up the world rankings next week.

He will play in the Hong Kong Football Club Open next week where he takes on Aly Abu Eleinen of Egypt in the first round.

Ng Eain Yow, who lost to El Shorbagy in the second round this week, received a first-round bye at the Hong Kong Football Club Open and will play either Juan Camilio Vargas of Colombia or Egyptian Mazen Gamal.