PETALING JAYA: National squash player Rachel Arnold faces a tough China Open title defence with fifth seed Nele Gilis awaiting in the second round.
World No. 22 Rachel advanced after beating Hong Kong’s world No. 51 Tong Tsz Wing 7-11, 11-7, 11-6, 12-10 in 39 minutes on Tuesday (November 11).
The match was at the Diamond Squash Centre in Shanghai.
Rachel must now overcome world No. 12 Gilis, whom she has never beaten in five previous meetings.
World No. 25 Aira Azman reached the second round by defeating compatriot Noor Ainaa Amani Ampandi 11-6, 13-11, 11-7 in 24 minutes.
Aira next meets third seed Amina Orfi of Egypt, who is in top form after winning the Canadian Women’s Open last month.
Aira’s sister Aifa Azman also advanced after beating Ireland’s Hannah Craig 11-9, 11-2, 11-7.
Aifa will face seventh seed Salma Hany of Egypt in the next round.
