Young Sue Ann heads for the World Juniors on a high

PETALING JAYA: Yong Sue Ann earned herself a massive boost ahead of the Women’s World Junior Championship in Wroclaw, Poland, by winning the Under-19 title at the Dutch Junior Open in Amsterdam on Sunday.

The 18-year-old Sue Ann, who left Malaysia to study in the United States two years ago, proved too strong for jointh third-fourth seed Marie Stephan of France, winning 9-11, 15-13, 11-9, 11-6. 

Sue Ann also made the semi-finals of the Pioneer Junior Open in Cologne, Germany, last week after beating Stephan in the quarter-finals.

Sue Ann, who received the Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia’s (SRAM) sanction to compete in the World Juniors, is now eyeing a good finish to her junior career.
 
The World Juniors started on Tuesday with the individual event.

“I’m competing in the World Juniors as well as the Pioneer and Dutch Juniors on my own expenses. 

“It’s my last year as a junior so I decided that it’ll be worth the experience,” said Sue Ann.

“It’s always an honour to participate and represent the country.

“The win in Amsterdam will definitely help because I’ve been out of the competitive scene for a while now. 

“In fact, I’m going to play Marie again in the World Juniors.

“It’ll be an interesting rematch,” added Sue Ann.

If the petite Selangor lass overcomes Stephan in the second round today, she will probably face joint 13th-16th seed Nada Elkalaawy of England in the third round.

Sue Ann, however, will not take part in the team event. She was a member of the team who helped Malaysia finish sixth in 2011.

Malaysia will be represented by three 17-year-olds – Vanessa Raj, Rachel Arnold and Celine Yeap – and 14-year-old S. Sivasangari.

Malaysia’s best ever finish was second in 2001 and 2007. Then, Malaysia had Nicol David,