Double duty making Ainaa feel a little jittery

PETALING JAYA: It’s normal for athletes to feel nervous when they are about to make their debut in a major tournament, even more so when they will be participating in two events.

It’s no different for national squash player Noor Ainaa Amani Ampandi.

She has been given the responsibility to play in the women’s and mixed doubles at the Commonwealth Games next week.

Ainaa was only listed in the women’s doubles but had to take up the double duty after S. Sivasangari’s car accident ruled the latter out of the Games.

The 20-year-old will partner Chan Yiwen in the doubles and Addeen Idrakie in the mixed doubles.

“I’m feeling excited and nervous at the same time as the Common-wealth Games is a huge competition and I need to play in two events.

“I have never competed in both at the same time in a tournament before,” said Ainaa.

She last played with Yiwen in the World Doubles Championship in Glasgow, Scotland, in April, where they reached the quarter-finals.

In the mixed, Ainaa and Addeen have only competed against their teammates in internal tournaments.

Ainaa is not setting herself a specific target as she acknowledges that they are the underdogs.

“It’s very tough for us to set a goal as we will be up against more experienced players. As long as we do our best, it’s good enough,” said Ainaa.

The world No. 108th said she was on a reasonably good form and admitted that there was still plenty of room for improvement.

In her last outing at the Tunku Muhriz Trophy in Seremban three weeks ago, Ainaa reached the semi-finals before losing to eventual champion Aira Azman.

“So far this year, my performances have been pretty good but there’s still a lot to improve on.

“I need to work on my strength, fitness and skills.

“I also want to move up the rankings,” she added.