KUALA LUMPUR – Teenage sensation K. Sehveetrraa has made her mark after returning from a three-month injury to send Erisa Sano Herring of Japan packing in the Asian qualifiers for the World Squash Championships.
The 19-year-old Malaysian was dominant in her win against the tournament’s sixth seed, winning 11-7, 12-10, 11-4 in 27 minutes at the National Sports Complex squash courts in Jalan Duta today.
“I was nervous going into the game because I’ve been out with injury for three months and this was my first match since returning,” said the Alor Star-born Sehveetrraa.
“However, I expected to win as I had beaten her in Australia last year. It was also a 3-0 win then, and I am happy to win with the same scoreline again.
“I knew not to underestimate her and managed to keep my nerves under control to win the match.”
Her next challenge is against second-seed S. Akanksha from India, who booked her quarter-final spot by beating Malaysian U. Thanusaa 11-7, 8-11, 11-3, 7-11, 11-5.
“It is going to be a tough game against Akanksha but I will be prepared mentally and physically for the game tomorrow,” said Sehveetrraa.
Only the men’s and women’s winners of the qualifying event will make it to the World Championships, scheduled next month in Cairo, Egypt.
Four Malaysian players have already qualified – Ng Eain Yow, S. Sivasangari, and the Azman sisters, Aira and Aifa. – April 18, 2024