Aira Azman (right) celebrates after beating England
PETALING JAYA: The Azman sisters - Aira and Aifa - as well as national No. 2 S. Sivasangari capped a fine showing to power into the finals of the British Junior Open squash championships.
With 12-year-old K. Sehveetrraa earlier booking her spot in the Under-13 final, the trio would go on to ensure Malaysia a historic best ever showing of four finalists in the prestigious junior meet.
The 13-year-old Aira, who toppled top seed Nour Aboulmakarim of Egypt in the quarter-finals, once again exceeded expectations by edging out home favourite and joint third-fourth seed Katie Maliff in the semi-finals of the Under-15 category on Saturday (Jan 6).
And Aira, seeded joint fifth-eighth, even had to do it the hard way as she battled from 2-1 deficit and saved two match balls before pulling off an 8-11, 11-9, 6-11, 11-5, 13-11 win.
Aira, who will make her first ever British Juniors final, takes on second seed Sana Ibrahim of Egypt for the title.
“I felt like my heart was going to drop out. It was just so tense!” said Aira.
“When I was 8-10 down in the fifth, I just reminded myself to be positive and not rush for points.
“Now I’m really excited to be in the final for the first time and I’m hoping to land the title finally.”
With her sister safely through to the final, 16-year-old Aifa, already a two-time British Juniors winner, put up a dominant performance to beat Egypt’s Jana Shiha 11-7, 11-9, 11-8 in the Under-17 category.
“I was actually prepared for another five-setter but I played a lot better...probably my best performance of the tournament so far,” said Aifa.
“I’m glad to be back in the final and I’m also really happy that Aira is in the final, too. We’ve been motivating each other a lot and hopefully, we both win together.”
Second seed Aifa goes on to meet top seed Marina Stefanoni for the title.
The American proved too strong as she ended the Scottish challenge of Georgia Adderley with an 11-3, 11-6, 11-4 win.
The last Malaysian in action on the day - world No. 45 Sivasangari then turned on the heat to beat top English girl Elise Lazarus 11-8, 11-3, 13-11 in the Under-19 semi-final.
“I was a little nervous at the start because I was the top seed and I felt the pressure,” said Sivasangari.
“I did grow more confident as the match wore on but I tried to finish her off too fast.
“Nevertheless, I’m happy to make the final again especially since this is my last junior event.
“I’m also really pleased that there are four girls, all from Kedah, who are through to the final. It will be one more big match for us so hopefully, we all give our best.”
Sivasangari, who won the Under-15 title in 2014, goes on to meet second seed Satomi Watanabe of Japan for the title.
Penang-based Watanabe, who is ranked No. 48 in the world, vanquished another English challenge by beating Lucy Turmel 11-7, 11-8, 14-16, 11-6.
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