KUCHING: Up-and-coming Federal Territories (FT) archer Arlia Nur Falisha Zairi advanced to the women's recurve individual final at the Malaysia Games (Sukma) after defeating Terengganu's Nurul Izzah Mazlan in a nail-biting semi-final match at the Petra Jaya Archery Range today.
The 16-year-old, who is the younger sister of Paris Olympics debutante Ariana Nur Dania, edged Nurul Izzah 6-5, securing her spot in the gold medal match against teammate Jeslynn Kaur Rajinder Singh on Friday.
Speaking to reporters later, Arlia Nur Falisha, who picked up the sport at the age of eight, expressed relief at overcoming her nerves to defeat the national archer.
"My sister (Ariana Nur Dania) told me to just shoot and not overthink. She also reminded me to be confident because she knows I can do it. She said: Just shoot, because this is a mental game, and it's a muscle memory thing.
"My family came yesterday and also today, but they had to leave. They will be back to support me on Friday," she said.
Johor's Nurin Iman Sham will face off against Nurul Izzah for the bronze medal.
In the men's recurve, Selangor's Ahmad Razin Azahar booked his place in the final after a 6-4 win over Saiful Islam Mohd Rizuwan of Terengganu.
He will meet Pahang's Haiqal Danish Syamsul Affandi, who defeated Johor archer Akid Bazli Ezaidin 6-2 in the other semi-final. — BERNAMA