Weaver stands in Aira’s way for a spot in third round

Tall order: Aira Azman will be seeking revenge against Olivia Weaver.

PETALING JAYA: National squash player Aira Azman will face her toughest challenge yet at the British Open when she takes on fourth seed Olivia Weaver of the United States in the second round.

The world No. 22 produced an assured display to sweep aside England’s world No. 42 Grace Gear 11-7, 11-8, 11-5 in Birmingham on Saturday and secure her best-ever result at the prestigious Diamond-level tournament.

The 21-year-old Aira will also be seeking revenge against Weaver, who defeated her in their most recent meeting at the Windy City Open in Chicago in February.

Aira is looking to continue her impressive run after improving on her previous British Open appearance, which ended in the opening round in 2024 when she lost to Egypt’s Fayrouz Aboulkheri.

Elsewhere, it was a disappointing start for fellow Malaysians Aifa Azman and Rachel Arnold, who both bowed out in the opening round.

World No. 23 Aifa suffered a straight-games defeat to Egypt’s world No. 40 Nour Heikal, going down 11-9, 11-6, 11-9.

Rachel’s campaign also ended prematurely after the world No. 29 was upset by Egypt’s world No. 62 Ruqayya Salem, who claimed an 11-9, 12-10, 9-11, 11-8 victory.

Malaysia’s challenge will continue today through world No. 5 S. Sivasangari, who begins her campaign against England’s world No. 30 Lucy Turmel after receiving a first-round bye.

Sivasangari will head into the match full of confidence, having won both of their previous encounters, including their most recent clash at the Karachi Open in January.

In the men’s draw, world No. 20 Ng Eain Yow also starts his campaign today against England’s world No. 26 Curtis Malik after advancing directly to the second round.

The Malaysian has enjoyed the upper hand in the rivalry, winning four of their five previous meetings.