Rachel sets up semis clash with Aira after both upset higher-ranked Egyptians

Close battle: Aira Azman toppled Egypt’s Sana Ibrahim 2-11, 9-11, 14-12, 11-3, 11-6 to reach the China Open semi-finals. — AFP

PETALING JAYA: National squash players Rachel Arnold and Aira Azman made headlines with impressive upsets against Egyptians to secure their spots in the semi-finals of the China Open.

Yesterday, the world No. 30 Rachel delivered a power-packed performance to stun top seed and world No. 8 Rowan Elaraby of Egypt 9-11, 11-8, 11-9, 11-9 in the last 16 at the Shanghai Oriental Sports Centre in Shanghai.

It was her third victory over the Egyptian in their six meetings, following two consecutive defeats in the US and Singapore Opens in 2022.

Meanwhile, world No. 35 Aira was stretched to the limit by Egypt’s world No. 20 Sana Ibrahim before triumphing 2-11, 9-11, 14-12, 11-3, 11-6 in another quarter-finals match.

Both Malaysians have displayed strong determination and resilience as they had to come from behind to defeat the higher-ranked competitors.

The victory was particularly meaningful for Rachel, as it served as a personal redemption after a series of unsatisfactory performances.

“I’m just really glad to have won the match!” said Rachel.

“I haven’t been too happy with my performances recently, so I’m just proud that I managed to get a win over a really strong player.

“In a way, it feels like a personal redemption and a motivation to perform even better.

“I think I went in without any expectations and just enjoyed playing the game.”

The upcoming semi-final promises to be an exciting clash as Rachel and Aira will face each other today.

Rachel will be looking to maintain her fine run in the tournament, while Aira will be eager to end her winless streak against her compatriot, who has triumphed in their previous meetings – Malaysia Squash Tour V in 2018, SRAM PSA 7 (2021) and Ace Malaysia Squash Cup (2023).

“Aira will be playing with no pressure too,” said Rachel.

“She is a young and upcoming player, but I think it’ll be a good match.”

Meanwhile, Sivasangari dropped a set before defeating Georgia Adderley of Scotland 11-9, 11-9, 6-11, 11-9 to advance to the semi-finals.

In the men’s category, Ng Eain Yow also stormed into the semis after beating Egypt’s Mohamad Zakaria 9-11, 11-5, 11-9, 11-2.

QUARTER-FINAL RESULTS

Men: Mohamed Elshorbagy (Eng) bt Lau Tsz Kwan (Hkg) 8-11, 11-2, 14-12, 11-5; Iker Pajares (Esp) bt Fares Dessouky (Egy) 11-9, 4-11, 11-6, 2-11, 11-9; Ng Eain Yow bt Mohamad Zakaria (Egy) 9-11, 11-5, 11-9, 11-2.

Women: Rachel Arnold (Mas) bt Rowan Elaraby (Egy) 9-11, 11-8, 11-9, 11-9; Aira Azman (Mas) bt Sana Ibrahim (Egy) 2-11, 9-11, 14-12, 11-3, 11-6; Farida Mohamed (Egy) bt Tomato Ho (Hkg) 12-10, 11-4, 7-11, 11-9; S. Sivasangari bt Georgia Adderley (Sco) 11-9, 11-9 6-11, 11-9.