SEREMBAN – National women’s squash player Aira Azman will take a temporary break from international tournaments after clinching the Tuanku Muhriz Trophy at the Squash Centre, S2 Sports Complex, Seremban, today.
The 19-year-old Aira, who was the second seed, triumphed over Hong Kong’s Chan Sin Yuk in the final with a score of 11-9, 11-9, 11-9 in just 27 minutes.
This win not only avenges her sister Aifa’s defeat to Sin Yuk in yesterday’s semi-finals but also redeems Aira’s disappointment from losing to the same Hong Kong player at the Hangzhou Asian Games last October.
“I’ve been studying her (Sin Yuk) for a while, especially during her match against my sister yesterday. I learned from Aifa’s mistakes and used them to improve my own game today.
“Aifa has been guiding me, so it was helpful that she faced Sin Yuk yesterday, it gave me the input I needed.
“I’m really pleased with my performance today. Even though it felt like she was leading in every set, I managed to fight back and stay confident. I knew I had it in me to win,” said Aira, who lost to S. Sivasangari in last year’s final.
This marks Aira’s second Tuanku Muhriz Trophy title, having previously won it in 2022.
Aira felt the victory was crucial as she had planned to take a break due to increasing concerns about her left knee injury.
During yesterday’s semi-final against fellow Malaysian Ainaa Amani, Aira was forced to lie down on the court while battling pain in the fifth set. Despite this, the Kedah-born player made a remarkable comeback to reach the final.
Aira has decided against surgery, opting instead to focus on rehabilitation and recovery after enduring a highly demanding schedule this year.
“Actually, the season just started, but since I’ve been playing in back-to-back tournaments, including the nationals, I’m going to take some time off because my knee isn’t in the best shape.
“I want to focus on recovery so that I can come back stronger and start the season fresh.
“For now, there’s no need for surgery, it’s only a partial tear. With rest and proper recovery, I’m confident I’ll regain my strength. With the support of my team, I believe I’ll be back on court in no time,” she added.
This means that Aira, who is also the national champion, will not be participating in the ACE Challenger Tour 12K, set to take place in Kuala Lumpur on September 4.
According to the tournament’s seedings, she was ranked second, just behind her sister, Aifa. – September 1, 2024