Rachel Arnold, Aifa Azman and Aira Azman all win their first round matches at China Open, setting up challenging second round encounters.
THREE Malaysian squash players have successfully advanced to the second round of the China Open tournament in Shanghai.
Rachel Arnold, Aifa Azman and Aira Azman all secured victories in their respective first round matches on Monday.
Rachel fought back from a set down to defeat Hong Kong’s Tong Tsz Wing 7-11, 11-7, 11-6, 12-10 in a hard-fought encounter.
The defending champion will now face Belgium’s Nele Gilis, who received a first round bye.
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Aira Azman booked her second round spot with a straight-sets victory over compatriot Ainaa Amani Ampandi 11-6, 13-11, 11-7.
She will next meet Egypt’s Amina Orfi for a place in the quarter-finals.
Aifa Azman, Aira’s older sister, comfortably defeated Ireland’s Hannah Craig 11-9, 11-2, 11-7.
The victory sets up a second round clash against seventh seed Salma Hany from Egypt.
All three Malaysians will face tough challenges in their quest to progress further in the prestigious tournament. – Bernama
