PETALING JAYA: Rachel Arnold (pic) is just 26 but she can be considered a veteran in the women’s doubles and that experience will stand her in good stead for the medal search at the Commonwealth Games.
Rachel will be competing in her third Commonwealth Games but with a new partner Aifa Azman.
The breakthrough almost happened in Gold Coast four years ago as she and S. Sivasangari, who upset eventual champions Joelle King-Amanda Landers-Murphy of New Zealand in the group stage, were beaten by England’s Laura Massaro-Sarah-Jane Perry in the last eight.
Rachel made her debut in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow where she partnered Vanessa Raj. The duo did not get past the group stage.
Hopes were high this time as Rachel and Sivasangari had won the World Doubles bronze medal in Glasgow in April.
However, an accident has forced Sivasangari out of the Birmingham Games but Rachel has not given up on an elusive medal chase with Aifa.
“The partnership has always been with Sangari. I have never partnered Aifa before but we have been trying to work on our combination. We’re doing well so far,” said Rachel.
“Sangari and I were expected to get a medal but things have changed now. But I am still working hard with Aifa – it’s still possible (to get a medal).”
Having played doubles at the world stage since 18, Rachel is hopeful that her experience will come in handy in Birmingham.
Rachel had also won another bronze in the 2016 World Doubles in Melbourne with her sister Delia.
Rachel-Aifa are seeded sixth this time where world champions Dipika Pallikal-Karthik-Joshna Chinappa of India are the top seeds while England’s Alison Waters-Sarah-Jane Perry, Joelle-Amanda and Australians Rachael Grinham-Donna Lobban complete the top four seedings.
Unlike the previous editions, the doubles competition will be contested in a knockout format and head coach Ajaz Azmat believes that Rachel-Aifa’s progress into the medal rounds (semi-final stage) will depend on the luck of the draw.
Rachel and Aifa are also competing in the individual events which begin at the University of Birmingham Hockey and Squash Centre on Friday.
