Total control as Eain Yow kicks out Rooney in world meet opener

Staying sharp: Ng Eain Yow in action against England’s Patrick Rooney at the World Championships in Chicago. — PSA Squash Tour

PETALING JAYA: National squash player Ng Eain Yow was on point with his game to reach the second round of the World Championships in Chicago.

Eain Yow stayed in control to knock out world No. 53 Patrick Rooney of England in the opening round 11-8, 11-5, 11-6 at the University Club of Chicago on Saturday.

The world No. 10 will face world No. 58 Mohd Asim Khan of Pakistan next.

National coaching director Andrew Cross said Eain Yow played a good game and showed control throughout the 44-minute match.

“There were competitive rallies during the match but Eain Yow was always in control before pulling away for a win,” said Cross.

In the women’s category, world No. 9 S. Sivasangari defeated Spain’s Marta Dominguez 11-4, 11-5, 16-18, 11-2 but not after a tough match.

Said Cross: “The first two sets were good, but she lost her way in the third and Dominguez played well. Thankfully, Sivasangari found her mojo in the fourth set.”

The Malaysian will take on Sana Ibrahim of Egypt in the second round, and will be out to pull off her fifth straight win.

World No. 26 Aira Azman and Rachel Arnold are also through to the second round but will have tough opponents next as they face world No. 12 Salma Hany of Egypt and fourth seed Olivia Weaver of the United States respectively.

On Saturday, Aira had beaten England’s Torrie Malik 11-8, 10-12, 11-7, 11-8 while Rachel ousted Egypt’s Nour Heikal 11-9, 11-9, 4-11, 11-3.

It was, however, over for Aifa Azman and Noor Ainaa Amani Ampandi after both lost in the first round to Weaver (3-11, 2-11, 1-11) and Amanda Sobhy (3-11, 2-11, 3-11) respectively.