KUALA LUMPUR: No athlete will return from overseas and sacrifice their studies just to play in the Malaysia Games.
However, squash player Wen Li Lai is an exception. The 22-year-old flew back from the United States to represent Sabah in the Games.
A computer information science undergraduate of Cornell University, Li Lai, who won the women's singles bronze on Tuesday, reached the doubles final with Yee Xin Ying today.
The pair stunned top seeds Chan Yiwen-Ainaa Amani of Federal Territories 7-11, 11-6, 11-10 in 42 minutes in the semi-finals.
Li Lai-Xin Ying will take on the Kedah's Azman sisters, Aifa and Aira, for the gold medal at the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil tomorrow.
Second seeds Aifa-Aira defeated compatriots Heng Wai Wong and K. Sehveetraa 11-5, 11-8 to reach the final.
Li Lai said: "It is our first tournament together since 2019, and we have reached the final by beating the top seeds.
"It was close, but we never gave up after losing the first set. We stayed focused and fought for every point.
"I am happy that I decided to return from the US to play in the Games. It has paid dividends," said Li Lai, who does online classes to catch up with her studies.
On the final, Li Lai said: "Obviously, we want to create another upset by beating the Azman sisters in the final.
"It is my third Games outing, and I want to sign off with a gold."
RESULTS
DOUBLES S-FINALS
Men: Vincent Jones Wee Ming Hock-Amir Amirul Azhar (Kel) bt Darren Paragasam-Sanjay Jeeva (Nse) 11-7, 6-11, 11-5; Ong Sai Hung-Hafiz Zharif Abdul Harif (Ked) bt C. Ameeshenraj-Shamiel Haeyzad Sharulhisam (Nse) 11-7, 11-6.
Women: Wen Li Lai-Yee Xin Ying (Sab) bt Chan Yiwen-Ainaa Amani (FT) 7-11, 11-6, 11-10; Aifa Azman-Aira Azman (Ked) bt Heng Wai Wong-K. Sehveetraa (Ked) 11-5, 11-8.