Daania gears up for Sukma after winning two titles at CIMB KL Open

PETALING JAYA: Rising star Daania Daniella Abdul Hazli heads into this month’s Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Selangor full of confidence after clinching two titles at the CIMB Kuala Lumpur Open on Sunday.

The 16-year-old, who will represent the Federal Territories, captured the title after defeating compatriot Iman Syuhada Abdullah 6-0, 6-3 in the women’s singles final at the National Tennis Centre.

Daania also clinched the women’s doubles title with teammate Sharifah Elsa Wan Abdul Rahman after they downed Iman-Adani Raihan 6-4, 6-3.

Daania admitted that it was the ideal warm-up before Sukma from Aug 15-24.

“I think it’s good preparation because there will be some of the same players competing in Sukma,” she said. “I’m going to be training for it right away. Maybe take a break for a few days but get back to it right after that. Hopefully I’ll be fine for Sukma.”

Meanwhile, Mitsuki Leong clinched his maiden KL Open men’s title in style after defeating compatriot Darrshan Suresh Kumar 6-0, 6-1 in the final.

“The win meant a lot to me, especially since I had not played a tournament in Malaysia for quite some time.

“The level of competition is much higher as a lot of Malaysian players who are based overseas were back to compete,” he said.

In the men’s doubles final, Darrshan and partner Koay Hao Sheng won after defeating Louis Tan-Shaun Tung 6-4, 6-3.