The much anticipated all-Malaysian quarter-final clash game at the Australian Open Squash Championships in Brisbane did not take place after Aira Azman withdrew from the match due to injury.
The world No.22 pulled out of the quarter-final after suffering a hamstring injury, allowing Malaysia’s top seed S.Sivasangari to advance directly into the semi-finals.
S.Sivangari will now face Belgium’s world No.12 Nele Gilis for a place in the final. Gilis secured her semi-final spot after winning against Malaysia’s Aifa Azman in straight sets, winning 11-5, 11-5, 11-3. Sivasangari and Gilis have been in a game several times. In their 7 previous encounters, the Malaysian has won 3 matches while Gilis claimed 4 victories, setting up what is expected to be a closely contested semi-finals.
According to the director of coaching at the Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia, Andrew Cross, Aira sustained the injury during her 2nd round match against Hong Kong’s Tomato Ho. Despite the disappointment of the withdrawal, Malaysia still remains represented in the tournament through Sivasangari and other national players.
In the men’s competition, Malaysia’s Ng Eain Yow is set to compete in the quarter finals. The world No.19 will take on Egypt’s rising star Mohamed Zakaria, who is currently ranked world No.9.
Sources: NST
