KUALA LUMPUR: Two-time national champion Aira Azman celebrated her career-high ranking of world No. 31 by reaching the second round of the Singapore Open today.
The 20-year-old, who reached the quarter-finals of last week's Malaysia Cup, swept past world No. 43 Kenzy Ayman of Egypt 11-5, 11-6, 12-10 in just 28 minutes at the Singapore Sports Hub.
However, a daunting test lies ahead as Kedah-born Aira, this year's Tuanku Muhriz Trophy champion, faces top seed and world No. 3 Hania El Hammamy tomorrow for a place in the quarter-finals.
It will be Aira's first-ever meeting with the Egyptian star.
"It feels good to be ranked No. 31 for the first time and to reach the second round here," said Aira.
"It is definitely a solid start, and I am looking forward to playing Hania.
"I know it will be tough, but I just want to gain as much experience as I can against the top players."
Meanwhile, Aira's elder sister Aifa also advanced to the second round after defeating world No. 46 Alicia Mead of England 11-6, 11-4, 12-10.
World No. 37 Aifa now faces compatriot S. Sivasangari in an all-Malaysian showdown on Thursday.
Aifa, determined to turn the tables, is seeking revenge after losing in straight games to world No. 9 Sivasangari in the Malaysia Cup quarter-finals.
"It was a good win over Alicia," said Aifa.
"I have to prepare a solid game plan and be more patient against Sivasangari than I was before."
In the men's competition, world No. 14 Ng Eain Yow, fresh off his Malaysia Cup victory on Sunday, will face world No. 49 Velavan Senthilkumar of India in the second round tomorrow.