KUALA LUMPUR: Two-time national champion Aira Azman's hard work is paying off on the PSA Tour.
The 20-year-old has risen four spots to a career-high No. 32 following strong performances in recent competitions. Aira is now ranked seven places above her 22-year-old sister, Aifa.
Last week, Aira impressed by upsetting world No. 20 Sana Ibrahim of Egypt before bowing out to compatriot and eventual champion Rachel Arnold in the semi-final of the China Open.
"I'm putting in a lot of work into my game and am happy with the progress," said Aira.
"I'm using these experiences to improve and aim to do even better next year."
Aira's next outing will be at the US$64,000 Ace Malaysia Cup in Selangor from Nov 12-17, where she is seeded sixth and has received a first-round bye.
In the second round, she will face Australia's Sarah Cardwell or Hong Kong's Tsz Wing Tong.
She is drawn to face world No. 9 S. Sivasangari in the quarter-finals.
"I don't have a specific target for the event.
"My goal is to gain experience playing against top players," said Aira, who claimed the Tuanku Muhriz Trophy in September.