Wee Wern to make last attempt to return from long layoff

Major struggle: Low Wee Wern’s (left) latest setback was a right knee injury where she went under the knife in September last year.

PETALING JAYA: Low Wee Wern, once regarded as the natural successor to squash legend Nicol David, will make a final attempt to return from a long layoff due to a knee surgery to resume her professional career.

Wee Wern, 32, was on he right track when she became the world No. 5 in October 2014 but injuries and surgeries to both knees had crippled her career for the last seven years.

Her latest setback was a right knee injury where she went under the knife in September last year where a reconstruction of the posterolateral corner (PLC) was conducted.

To make matters worse, the National Sports Council (NSC) dropped her from the Podium Programme in January.

However, her coach Aaron Soyza said Wee Wern has not thrown in the towel and has been working hard to return to competition again.

“She had resumed training since February and has been looking good. As a player, she wants to give it a go for the final time and will most likely start competing in tournaments at the end of the year. She is not giving up just yet without a fight,” said Aaron.

“She has been working for all her career to become a top professional but has been very unfortunate as her progress has been continuously hampered by injuries.

“She is in a rush this time. The goal is to return and play in tournaments and stay free of injury.

“She has taken her time to gradually build her strength and confidence. She will surely be back in tournaments again.”

Aaron also ruled out the possibility of her making a return at the Malaysian Open squash championships from Nov 15-20 as she may not be ready by then.

“She may need a little bit more time and may not play in the Malaysian Open but we are looking at some tournaments in December,” said Aaron.

“Due to the reconstruction, the movement of her right knee would have been altered and she needs to make adjustments in her movement on court. But she is ready for another comeback.”

Wee Wern, who has won 12 titles on the Professional Squash Association (PSA) tour, is currently ranked No. 228 and Aaron made it clear that she has no intention of fighting for a place in the World Squash team championships in Cairo in December.

Her only intention is to enjoy competing in tournaments again and not to allow injuries to cast a premature end to her career.