Sister Act II: Aira and Aifa set for title showdown

In cruise control: Aira Azman (left) in action against Goh Zhi Xuan during the semi-final match yesterday. Aira will face her sister Aifa (right) in the final today. — SRAM

PENANG: Squash sisters Aira and Aifa Azman will clash once again in the National Championships final, but with contrasting pressures on their shoulders.

It’s a repeat of last year’s title match: 20-year-old Aira is chasing her third consecutive national crown, while Aifa, 23, is still searching for her first.

Aira cruised into the final with a swift 11-4, 11-6, 11-6 win over Goh Zhi Xuan in just 17 minutes at the Nicol David International Squash Centre yesterday.

For her, facing her sister has become less intimidating over time.

“I feel less pressure now because it’s a familiar face. The first time we played, I was nervous, but after meeting several times, we know each other well,” said Aira.

She added that the sisters remain supportive despite being rivals.

“We always back each other until the final. Once we’re on court, we focus on ourselves, but after the match, we talk about how it went and debrief together.”

Aifa, meanwhile, admits to feeling the weight of expectation as she hunts her maiden national title.

“The toughest part of playing my sister is that she knows everything about me – my style, my routines, even my sleeping schedule.

“I’ll need to dig deep for a new game plan. I really want a national title for my record,” she said.

Last year, Aira defeated Aifa 11-7, 11-5, 10-12, 11-5 in the final at the Jalan Duta Squash Courts in Kuala Lumpur.

This time, big sister is determined to rewrite the ending.