Delia Arnold (right) in action against England
KUALA LUMPUR: National No. 3 Delia Arnold pulled off one of the two major upsets in the women’s first round of the CIMB Malaysian Open at the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil.
World No. 39 Delia, a wildcard entrant, played her heart out to stun world No. 6 Alison Waters 7-11, 11-6, 8-11, 11-7, 11-9 on Tuesday.
World junior champion Habiba Mohamed of Egypt pulled off the other upset, turning the tables on world No. 5 Camille Serme of France for an 11-6, 6-11, 7-11, 11-9, 11-8 win. Habiba will meet 11th seed Jenny Duncalf, who defeated Hong Kong’s Tong Tsz Wing, for a place in the quarter-finals.
The day, however, belonged to Delia.
“I finally had the win I wanted,” said a jubilant Delia, who never went past the first round since her debut in 2002.
“I’ve changed my game. I used to be a fast-paced attacking player but I’ve slowed down a little now. I’m playing a more medium-paced game now.
“It was a really good win for me as I was getting a little nervous in the fifth set.
“Three years ago I lost to Omneya Abdel Kawy (of Egypt) in the first round after leading all the way until 10-8 in the fifth set. I thought about the match a little the previous night.
“I’m really happy to win because I know I have the ability to do so. I just lacked the mental strength previously. I’ve been seeing a sports psychologist this year so that helped.
“Now I got 24 hours to rest before my next match. Hopefully I’ll recover in time,” added Delia who will meet American world No. 15 Amanda Sobhy in the second round.
Malaysia’s top two prospects – world No. 1 Nicol David and world No. 7 Low Wee Wern – also progressed.
Nicol hardly raised a sweat against Hong Kong qualifier Liu Tsz Ling, winning 11-3, 11-2, 11-3.
As for Wee Wern, she downed Egypt’s Heba El Torky 11-8, 11-5, 10-12, 11-8 in 74 minutes.
“It was a good win for me. I need to build up for a tough week ahead,” said Nicol.
In the second round, Nicol will meet India’s Joshna Chinnapa while Wee Wern will take on England’s Sarah-Jane Perry.
In the men’s event, former world No. 10 Mohd Azlan Iskandar reached the main draw after beating South Africa’s Shaun Le Roux 11-4, 11-4, 11-3.
The 32-year-old Azlan, who is making a comeback to competition, will play compatriot Mohd Nafiizwan Adnan in today’s first round.
However, two other Malaysians – Valentino Bon Jovi Bong and Mohd Addeen Idrakie – failed to clear their final qualifying hurdles.
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