Ameeshenraj-Rachel ready to break the glass ceiling for gold

U AMILIAR surroundings can pose a challenge, but fortunately national mixed doubles squash pair C. Ameeshenraj and Rachel Arnold have quickly adapted.

The second seeds will be playing on an all-glass doubles court when the competition starts tomorrow at the Nagoya Kinjo-Futo Arena.

They have been training only on glass-backed doubles courts in Malaysia.

Debutant Ameeshenraj said the facilities were top-notch, but the ball was much faster than what they were accustomed to during training at the Seremban 2 Squash Complex.

“The courts are good, but they are really fast,” said the 22-year-old.

“It’s definitely way different from what we are used to when training on the wall courts. But it’s still fun nonetheless.”

Malaysia does have an all-glass doubles court at the National Squash Centre, but the venue in Bukit Jalil is still undergoing renovation, which forced the Malaysians to train in Seremban.

Rachel partnered Ivan Yuen in the mixed doubles at the last edition in Hangzhou but failed to clear the group stage.

This time, the competition will be played in a direct knockout format, and reigning Asian Doubles Championships winners Ameeshenraj-Rachel have received a first-round bye in the 32-pair draw.

The top seeds are their compatriots and Hangzhou silver medallists Syafiq Kamal-Aifa Azman, who will be looking to go one better.