Wee Wern looks to step up at World Champs

GEORGE TOWN: In the past, the spotlight had been solely on world No.1 Nicol David whenever there was a women’s squash tournament in Malaysia.

For the first time, Low Wee Wern has found herself sharing the limelight alongside fellow Penangite Nicol in the run-up to the 29th Women’s World Squash Championship 2013 at the SPICE Arena from March 18-23.

Both players were involved in a promotional photoshoot and a press conference with the Malaysian media at the Nicol David International Squash Centre on Friday.

On Saturday, they were both at the Eastin Hotel for a welcome ceremony for the players and the launching of a shuttle bus with the tournament’s livery.

World No. 7 Wee Wern, who is the sixth seed, is aiming for a breakthrough after two impressive runs to the quarter-finals in the 2011 and 2012 world meets.

This World Championship will be special to me as this is the first time that I will feature in the event in front of the home crowd. I am feeling excited and hope that playing on home soil can inspire me to produce my best result,” said the Penang-based Wee Wern.

Nicol David (centre) and CIMB Bank regional director Liew Chee Cheang (left) look on as a CIMB client pens a message of support for Nicol at the 'An exclusive night with Datuk Nicol David' event for the bank’s clients and social media friends at the Suffolk House in Penang on Saturday. – GARY CHEN/ The Star.

The 23-year-old feels her luck may have changed after being drawn in the opposite half from Nicol for the first time in a world meet.

In all the major tournaments, I was either in the same quarter or half as Nicol. This time, I am in the bottom half and who knows, the fans may get to see an all-Malaysian final,” joked Wee Wern.

But seriously, it is equally tough in both halves of the draw. After twice entering the quarter-finals, my target is to make a breakthrough appearance in the last four. But it will be tough as I have Laura Massaro to contend with in my quarter.”

Wee Wern opens her campaign against Australian Donna Urquhart in the opening round on Wednesday. In order to make the semis, she will need to see off the challenges of potential second-round opponent Line Hansen of Denmark and second seed Massaro of England in the quarter-finals.

After rising to a career-high No. 6 earlier this year, Wee Wern has now set her sights on cracking into the top five. And she has given herself one year to achieve the target.

I am working towards improving my ranking and need to beat the top players regularly in order to achieve this. I am trying my best to produce good performances against the top 10 players. I hope I can be among the top five by next year.

Nicol has always been my role model since my early days in squash. Her achievements have been amazing and she continues to be an inspiration for young players like me to work harder and succeed in the sport.”

Wee Wern has had a mixed campaign in 2014. She reached the final of the Greenwich Open, the quarter-finals of the Windy City Open and JP Morgan Tournament of Champions but fell in the first round of the Cleveland Classic.

The Star is the official media for the 29th Women’s World Squash Championship.