BEATING a rival at their best always makes for a special feeling.
And national No 1 Low Wee Wern was certainly more than pleased with the way she defeated national No 3 Rachel Arnold to reach the final of the Ohana National Squash Championships.
The former World No 5 showed no signs of rust as she won 11-7, 6-11, 13-11, 11-4 in the women's Premier division semi-finals at the National Squash Centre, Bukit Jalil yesterday.
It was certainly sweet revenge for the World No 23 who had fizzled out against 41st-ranked Rachel in their last meeting — the final of the Malaysian Open last year.
Wee Wern, who is chasing a fourth national title, faces national No 2 S. Sivasangari in the final.
World No 37 Sivaangari had to battle hard before overcoming 58th-ranked Aifa Azman 11-4, 11-13, 12-10, 8-11, 11-1 in the other semi-final.
"I was in control against Rachel this time compared to the last meeting," said Wee Wern.
"Last year, I was far from my best, but it's safe to say that I am happy with the way I played these past two days.
"Sivasangari has also improved since the last time I met her. It will be important to find my own game in the final," said the 30-year-old.
In the men's Premier division, national No. 3 Syafiq Kamal earned a breakthrough after reaching his first final.
The 24-year-old battled past Darren Rahul Pragasam 11-9, 6-11, 11-3, 10-12, 11-8 in 70 minutes.
"I thought I played better than the quarter-finals, and I was disciplined in all aspects of my game today," said Syafiq.
Syafiq plays top seed and defending champion Ivan Yuen for the title.
World No 41 Ivan, who is chasing a record fourth straight national title, overcame Addeen Idrakie 12-10, 11-3, 11-9 in 50 minutes.