Inspired Kah Yan aims higher

Time to step up: Ooi Kah Yan aims to become a top choice women’s player for Malaysia by performing well in the Indian Tour which starts in Mumbai today.

PETALING JAYA: National squash player Ooi Kah Yan went to the Philippines SEA Games to learn. She came back inspired.

After the 19-year-old saw her senior Rachel Arnold bag both the women’s singles and team gold medals in Manila, Kah Yan now hopes to become a top choice women’s player for the country.

It was her teammates Rachel and Chan Yiwen who managed a 1-2 finish in the singles events, while Kah Yan was only active in the women’s team event, winning all her four matches in the event to help steer them to the gold medal.

“To see Rachel win the gold medal in both events really made me want to be able to well in both events and not just the team event, ” said Kah Yan.

“Of course, I’m happy with the team gold but I also wish I could have played in the singles event. I will keep improving and hopefully at the next Games I may have the chance to represent the country in both events.”

“There are still things in my game that I need to improve on like my shot selection and game strategy. I will keep improving and I believe I can make it there someday.”

A good place for Kah Yan to start will be the Indian Tour which starts in Mumbai today.

After a first round bye, Kah Yan will take on India’s Tanishka Jain or Aparajitha Balamurukan in the second round today.

Should she get the win, the real test awaits for in the quarter-finals against second seed and world No. 46 Lucy Turmel of England.

“My target is to get into the semi-finals but it won’t be easy as I will have to get past Lucy. I’ve never played her before but I saw some of her matches. She is really good and experienced.

“I will need to be at my best to get the win.”