Aifa keeps the flag flying high

MALAYSIA’S flagbearer Aifa Azman stormed into the last 16 of the women’s individual squash event at the University of Birmingham Hockey and Squash Centre.

Aifa, ranked 24 in the world, defeated Sunayna Sara Kuruvilla of India 11-7, 11-7, 11-7 in the second round yesterday.

The joint ninth seed had replaced teammate S. Sivasangari, who was forced out of the Games after a car accident.

The 24-year-old will next play Canadian joint fifth seed Hollie Naughton, who trashed Liajana Sultana of Malta 11-2, 11-1, 11-2, in the last 16 today.

However, Syafiq Kamal’s objective of setting up a last-16 clash against top seed and world No. 2 Paul Coll of New Zealand went up in smoke after losing in the second round yesterday.

Syafiq found the going tough against Emyr Evans of Wales and suffered a 11-8, 11-4 , 7-11, 11-7 defeat.

Favourite Coll did not face any problems as he chalked up an easy 11-4, 11-2, 11-4 win over Niall Engerer of Malta.

Syafiq will now focus on the men’s doubles where he will be partnering Ong Sai Hung.