Australia
KUALA LUMPUR: Former world champion and four-time British Open winner Rachael Grinham is definitely still going strong despite turning 37 in January.
Grinham who also bagged a gold medal in mixed doubles at the Commonwealth Games last month showed that she still had a lot to offer after beating England’s Lisa Aitken – 13 years her junior, in the opening round of the CIMB Malaysian Open on Tuesday.
The Australian who won the world title in 2007, combined experience and good technique as she comfortably saw out the match 11-6, 11-6, 11-4 at the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil.
“It was a good game as I defeated her 3-0. I find it uncomfortable because I haven’t played her before so yes it was a bit shaky but I’m glad I pulled it off,” said Grinham.
Grinham, who has been playing in Malaysia since she was 16, is definitely not afraid of going up against the younger girls.
“I try not to put any unnecessary pressure on myself in every tournament.
“In fact, the younger girls should be way stronger than myself but I have to put that aside and just enjoy my game,” she added.
Grinham’s reward for a superb win is a match up against eighth seeded Madeline Perry of Ireland – another 37-year-old veteran who is also going strong. Perry eliminated compatriot Aisling Blake 11-3, 11-6, 11-3.
“Well it’s the battle of the old girls. We’ve been playing for quite some time now so I’ll know what to expect, said Grinham who has been to the semi-finals of the Malaysian Open six times in the past.
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