PETALING JAYA: Defending champion Ainaa Amani Apandi (pic) may be forced to withdraw from the SEA Cup squash competition despite securing a spot in the semi-finals.
The ninth edition of the tournament in Bangkok saw top seed Ainaa advance to the last four after defeating Indonesia’s Raifa Putri Yattaqi 11-7, 11-8, 12-14, 11-8 in 25 minutes in her opening match yesterday.
Her victory set up a semi-final clash against the Philippines’ Jemyca Aribado today.
However, national coach Shahril Shahidan revealed that there are concerns over the 23-year-old’s fitness as she was still recovering from a recurring right knee injury sustained during the Asian Individual Championships in Sarawak last month.
“At the moment, we are unsure if she will be fit to play in the semi-finals. The medical team are monitoring her condition closely,” said Shahril when contacted.
“If the situation does not improve, she may have to pull out. We do not want to take any risks that could worsen the injury.”
Ainaa is also wary of aggravating the problem, especially with the National Championships scheduled for the end of the month. The tournament will serve as a selection ground for the SEA Games in Thailand this December.
Should Ainaa withdraw, the spotlight will shift to second seed Yee Xin Ying to carry Malaysia’s hopes.
Xin Ying booked her place in the semi-finals after cruising past Indonesia’s Nisa Nur Fadilah 11-6, 11-5, 11-4 in just 17 minutes.
She will face Singapore’s Au Yeong Wai Yhann for a place in the final.
It was a similar outcome in the men’s event, with Harith Danial Jefri delivering a solid performance to beat David William Pelino 11-4, 11-9, 11-3 to make the last four.
