An Egyptian pyramid too high for Rachel

PETALING JAYA: Rachel Arnold’s campaign at the El Gouna International came to an end after she was defeated by world No. 1 Nour El Sherbini yesterday.

The second round fixture proved too tough of a challenge for world No. 28 Rachel as the Egyptian won 11-7, 12-10, 11-3 at the Professional Squash Association (PSA) Platinum level event in Egypt.

This was Rachel’s second defeat against El Sherbini, with the previous loss coming at the Windy City Open in February.

Rachel made her way into the second round after winning 8-11, 11-7, 11-9, 11-8 against Alicia Mead of England on Friday.

In the opening round, Aira Azman won her El Gouna debut 11-5, 11-5, 9-11, 12-10 after knocking out Hana Ramadan of Egypt despite battling through an injury during the match.

The 19-year-old was strong at the start of the game but a lengthy injury treatment in the third gave Ramadan the chance to catch up. But it was not enough to stop Aira from entering the second round.

“My knee is a bit swollen but my physiotherapist is here, so it should be fine. I’m in good hands.

“Aifa came over right after her win, so I felt much better, I felt the support and that support meant a lot to me,” said Aira after her first round win.

For sister Aifa, it was a tough battle against Egypt’s Nour Aboulmakarim but the world No. 34 player won 13-11, 11-6, 10-12, 11-8 against the 43rd ranked player to make her way into the second round.

In the men’s competition, Ng Eain Yow won his opening round match against Mexico’s Cesar Salazar 11-13, 11-5, 11-7, 11-2.