KUALA LUMPUR – Defending women’s champion Low Wee Wern stayed on course for her fourth title by easily winning her quarterfinal match in the 36th Ohana National Championship at the National Squash Centre here today.
The 30-year-old Penangite beat her junior in the national team, Ooi Kah Yan, 11-6, 11-9, 11-7.
In the semifinals tomorrow, the former world number five will face another national player Rachel Arnold, who eliminated Chan Yiwen 11-7, 11-2, 11-5.
Wee Wern, the champion in 2012, 2014 and 2019, said she expects a tough match tomorrow.
“I think she played very well to win today; she should be feeling extremely confident. I think all the girls are fired up, especially to beat me. I will try to do what I did today," she told reporters after her match.
Second seed and 2018 champion S. Sivasangari also secured her place in the last four after edging Aira Azman 11-4, 14-12, 11-2. She will meet Aira’s sister, Aifa, who ousted Lai Wen Li 11-5, 9-11, 11-5, 11-5.
In the men’s premier division, defending champion Ivan Yuen also advanced to the semifinals after eliminating former national player Muhammad Asyraf Azan, who pulled out in the second set citing injuries while trailing 1-11, 2-11.
Ivan, who is seeking his fourth straight title, will face joint third/fourth seed Addeen Idrakie, who won against Siow Yee Xian.
The men’s semifinal is between second seed Mohammad Syafiq Kamal and Darren Rahul Pragasm.
Mohammad Syafiq overcame Elvinn Keo 2-11, 11-5, 11-8, 11-7, while Darren edged Ong Sai Hung 12-10, 12-10, 6-11, 2-11, 11-7. – Bernama, October 10, 2020
