KUCHING: Sabah's Yee Xin Ying completed her dream run at the Malaysia Games (Sukma) by bouncing back from two sets down to win the women's singles squash gold medal here today.
Xin Ying, who upset national champion Aira Azman in the semi-finals, defeated her national teammate K. Sehveetrraa of Kedah 9-11, 7-11, 11-8, 11-7, 11-8 in the final at the Sarawak Squash Centre.
The 21-year-old said she told herself not to give up despite being two sets down.
"It was a tough final because we have been training together for several years. We know each other's game," said Xin Ying.
"What helped me in this match was my experience and the strong support from my teammates, which kept me from giving up. I am grateful to them."
Although it is Xin Ying's third appearance at Sukma, it was her first foray in the women's singles event.
In the 2018 edition in Perak, she only took part in the women's team event, bringing home a bronze medal.
Two years ago in Kuala Lumpur, she competed in the women's doubles and mixed doubles events, winning silver in the women's doubles.
Xin Ying now hopes to claim gold in the women's doubles with partner Doyce Lee.
"I hope to win gold in the doubles as well. We are the second seeds, and hopefully, we can pull off a surprise," she said.
Meanwhile, Aira secured bronze after defeating J. Yasshmita from Negeri Sembilan 9-11, 11-2, 11-4, 11-5.