Rachel is sole survivor after opener at Windy City

PETALING JAYA: National woman squash player Rachel Arnold is the only Malaysian to survive the opening day action at the Windy City Open in Chicago.

In a tightly contested four-game clash, Rachel defeated Hong Kong’s Tong Tsz Wing 11-4, 17-15, 10-12, 11-9 to reach the second round on Wednesday.

It was a sweet revenge for Rachel, who lost the chance to win her first individual title after losing to her Hong Kong rival in the Asian Squash Championships in Islamabad last December.

The Malaysian started strongly and won the first game 11-4 but had to save several game points in the second before prevailing at 17-15.

Rachel lost the third on a tie-break but regrouped to win the fourth to book her place in the last 32, where she will face Egypt’s world No. 3 Hania El Hammamy.

“We have played each other many times, so we know each other’s games,” said Rachel.

“It’s always tough playing against Tsz Wing but I’m glad I got my revenge this time.”

Teammate Aifa Azman went down 11-8, 5-11, 11-4, 10-12, 4-11 to South African Alex Fuller in the first round.

Meanwhile, in men’s category, Ivan Yuen was also eliminated, going down in the first round 8-11, 11-3, 8-11, 9-11 to England’s Adrian Waller.