NEW SOUTH WALES: Budding squash player Yee Xin Ying capped another fine week by finishing second at the Bega Open in New South Wales, Australia, today.
The 18-year-old has certainly punched above her weight in upsetting the form book to reach the final.
However, the final proved to be one hurdle too many for the Sabahan as she went down 11-7, 11-6, 11-3 to top seed Chan Sin Yuk of Hong Kong.
It was her third career final and her second successive final in as many weeks.
Last week, Xin Ying claimed her maiden PSA Tour title by winning the NSW Open crown.
In the Bega Open, she had a good run, beating several experienced players en route to the final.
Xin Ying's best performance came in the quarter-finals against second seed Grace Gear of England, scoring a 9-11, 13-11, 11-9, 11-4 win.
She followed up by beating compatriot Noor Ainaa Amani Ampandi — who reached the recent Commonwealth Games women's doubles semi-finals — in the last four.
Currently ranked a career high World No 88, Xin Ying's results in Australia are expected to boost her ranking further.
"I'm definitely satisfied with my performance this week as I thought I played pretty well throughout," said Xin Ying.
"Beating Grace in the quarter-finals was a high point for me as she is a very good player.
"To reach the final of a PSA Challenger 10 event is my best achievement this year."
National coach Nafiizwan Adnan backed Xin Ying to continue to impress in her next tournament — the Tasmaniam Open from Sept 7-11.
"The next tournament will be a bigger test for her as there will be higher-ranked opponents," said Nafiizwan.
In the men's competition, national No 4 Syafiq Kamal reached the semi-finals before losing 11-7, 11-6, 11-9 to second seed Lau Tsz Kwan of Hong Kong.