Aira stuns fifth seed Watanabe in five-set Qatar thriller

Flying start: Aira Azman in action against Japan’s Satomi Watanabe during the first round of the Qatar Classic. — PSA Squash Tour

PETALING JAYA: National squash player Aira Azman started her Qatar Classic campaign on a strong foot after she sent fifth seed Satomi Watanabe of Japan packing in the opening round yesterday.

World No. 26 Aira stunned world No. 6 Watanabe, fighting her way back from being two sets down as she won 6-11, 13-15, 11-5, 13-11, 11-8 at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.