KUALA LUMPUR: Second seed Low Wee Wern was forced to bank on her vast experience before overcoming her junior Ooi Kah Yan today to book her spot in the semi-finals of the Ohana National Championships.
Wee Wern started well but later found herself on the back foot as Negri Sembilan's Kah Yan started to find her range at the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil. Wee Wern eventually won the match 11-4, 11-9, 10-12, 9-11, 11-6.
The Penangite, who is making her comeback after a 20-month injury layoff, admitted that she was rusty.
"I did well to win in the end, she (Kah Yan) played really well today and hit some good winners, especially in the third and fourth games," said Wee Wern, who is a former World No 5.
"I managed to hang in there and maybe thanks to a bit more experience, won it in the end. It was a tough game as she had nothing to lose. I am definitely a bit rusty, as it took a while to get used to the tactics and be able to find some space. I need a bit more time to get back into it, especially playing here in the glass court."
The 27-year-old, who has struggled with recurring knee injuries in recent seasons, said she is feeling strong physically. Wee Wern will play another up-and-coming junior Aifa Azman in the final-four tomorrow. Aifa defeated fellow Kedahan Nazihah Hanis Abd Razak 11-5, 12-10, 11-7 in her quarterfinal.
"I was playing all out but the court was a bit slippery, so I played a bit more cautious, I believe the (court) conditions will improve in time," added Wee Wern.
"Physically I feel quite ok, although it was 3-2, I was in control for much of the game, and I still feel quite fresh and ready for tomorrow's game."
The other semi-final will witness top seed S. Sivasangari (Ked) playing Rachel Arnold (FT) for a spot in the decider. Sivasangari and Rachel defeated Chan Yiwen (FT) 11-4, 11-7, 15-13 and Lai Wen Li (Sab) 11-7, 13-11, 11-9 in their respective quarter-finals.
The men’s event saw defending champion Ivan Yuen (Sel) defeating Sanjay Singh (Swk) 11-8, 11-2, 11-5 to set up a semi-final clash with second seed Ng Eain Yow (FT). The latter downed Darren Rahul (NS) 11-5, 12-10, 11-5.
The other semi-final will feature joint third-fourth seed Muhammad Syafiq Kamal (Kel), who downed Addeen Idrakie 11-8, 11-1, 5-11, 6-11, 11-9, and top seed Nafiizwan Adnan (Trg). Nafiizwan defeated Muhammad Asyraf Azan (FT) 13-11, 11-6, 11-6 to book his spot in the semi-finals.