MALAYSIA booked their spot in the women’s team quarterfinals of the CIMB Foundation World Junior Championships after another easy day at the office in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
A well rested Aifa Azman, who was not used for Malaysia's first group B match against Japan on Monday, delivered the opening point with a 11-3, 11-4, 11-2 win over Australia’s Alex Haydon at the National Squash Centre.
Chan Yiwen then eased to a 11-3, 11-4, 11-7 win over Sze Yu Lee in the second singles to secure the win for Malaysia.
An ill Ooi Kah Yan was clearly not at her best but still managed a straightforward 11-7, 11-9, 11-3 win over Katie Davies in the third singles to complete Malaysia’s 3-0 win over Australia.
National assistant head coach Andrew Cross is pleased with his team's form going into the business end of the tournament.
Malaysia will play Canada in their final group B game this morning and will later tonight play in the quarterfinals.
“I thought Aifa was pretty good today, she did not give her opponent much to play with and her win gave the rest of the team a bit more confidence,” said Cross.
“Kah Yan was not feeling that well, she is not at 100 per cent and had a bit of a sore throat. She is seeing the doctor after this and we will see how she does over the next couple of days. I think she will be alright.
“Tomorrow is a bit different. We play Canada in our last group game in the morning and will likely face Switzerland in the quarterfinals.
“On Thursday, if we make it through are the big semi-finals against the tougher teams.”
The other match in group B yesterday saw Canada easing to a 3-0 win over Japan. Malaysia will emerge as group champions if they beat Canada today.
In group A, defending champions Egypt secured their place in the knockout stages with a 3-0 win over France while Switzerland downed Singapore 3-0.
India remained unbeaten in group C, notching 3-0 wins against both Ireland and New Zealand while Hong Kong and Ireland both secured 3-0 wins over Taiwan yesterday.
In group D, the United States downed both South Africa and South Korea 3-0 while England and South Africa defeated Sweden 3-0 and 2-1 respectively.