KUALA LUMPUR: Ayesha Rania Syed Kebir has proven she is a rising force in junior squash after capturing back-to-back titles within a week.
Fifth seed Ayesha upset top seed Rafa Putri Yattaqi of Singapore 11-4, 11-6, 14-12 in the Under-19 final at the Singapore Junior Open on Sunday, just a week after winning the REDtone KL Junior crown.
The 18-year-old credited her success to her coaches, Ryan Pasqual and Sanjay Singh Chal.
"It feels great to win back-to-back titles as it shows I'm progressing as a player. I must thank my coaches, Ryan and Sanjay, and my parents for their support," said Ayesha.
"I'm looking forward to representing Malaysia at the Asia Junior Cup and the World Junior Championships next year."
Meanwhile, Hashvind Kugan lived up to his top billing in the boys' Under-19 category, defeating compatriot Veroon Heng 11-3, 11-5, 7-11, 11-5 in the final.
Harleein Tan emerged victorious in the girls' Under-17 final, beating compatriot T. Dakshayani 11-7, 11-5, 15-13.
Simarver Singh secured the boys' Under-15 title by overcoming Singapore's Rehan Singh 9-11, 11-9, 11-8, 11-7.