PETALING JAYA: It was probably a lesson in squash but a worthwhile one for Aifa Azman who had the opportunity to play world No. 1 Nouran Gohar of Egypt in the last 16 of the El Gouna International.
Gohar secured an easy 11-3, 11-4, 11-3 win over Aifa, ranked 27th in the world, in 28 minutes on Sunday.
The defeat ended Aifa’s decent run in the Professional Squash Association (PSA) platinum tournament after having beaten two other Egyptians, Jana Shiha and Zeina Miickawy, in the first and second rounds respectively.
National head coach Ajaz Azmat said it was a good exposure for Aifa.
“It’s her first time playing against a world No. 1 and it is a good experience for her. She can learn a lot on how good the best player on the circuit,” said Ajaz.
“They play with different intensity and it is a good opportunity for Aifa as you don’t get to play a world No. 1 that often.”
The results is likely to help Aifa to improve her position in the world ranking next month.
Meanwhile, world No. 20 S. Sivasangari takes on Donna Lobban of Australia while Rachel Arnold plays world No. 3 Hania El Hammamy of Egypt in the last 16.
