Jawairiah Noordin is raring for action in the Philippines Sea Games on Nov 30-Dec 11.
The Penang-born appeared to be on a decline following a string of injuries after the 2017 Kuala Lumpur Sea Games, but she has since recovered and is now playing her best tennis.
The 29-year-old showed her prowess by reaching the final of the US$15,000 (RM62,950) ITF event in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt as a qualifier recently.
Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia (LTAM) secretary Kamaruzzaman Kedah said Jawairiah, who lost to American Dasha Ivanova in three sets in the final, is looking sharp again.
“It was a surprise as it was her first international ‘Open’ tournament in two years,” said Kamaruzzaman.
“Jawairiah had returned to her hometown to recover from knee problems and also to do coaching after the 2017 Sea Games.
“She was a member of our Fed Cup team this year but appeared to be rusty and lacked match fitness. After the tournament, she accepted the offer to play in the Sea Games.
“She returned to her hometown and started training hard with her brother Muhd Noor Noordin. She has now proven that she is slowly regaining her form.
Kamaruzzaman said based on Jawairiah’s form, she could surprise everyone by ending Malaysia’s 18-year Sea Games medal wait in the women’s singles.
Khoo Chin Bee was the last Malaysian to finish on the podium in the singles when she won a bronze at the 2001 KL edition.
Suhana Sofia Adam Das, S. Theiviya and US-based Sara Nayar make up the women’s team.
In the 2017 edition, Jawairiah and Theiviya won bronze in the doubles.
The men’s squad will comprise Syed Agil Syed Naguib, Christian Didier Chin, Shamirul Shahril Adam Das with one more spot yet to be decided.