A gigantic performance from Aifa Azman steered Malaysia’s comeback in the women’s team final of the squash competition following a 2-1 victory over traditional rivals Singapore in Bukit Jalil on Tuesday (Aug 29).
The 15-year-old Malaysian teenager defeated Sneha Sivakumar, 16, in the deciding game after both teams were tied 1-1 in the gold medal-winning match. Pamela Chua had earlier defeated Ooi Kah Yan 3-2 in a closely contested match in the first game, especially winning the deciding set 11-9 to give Singapore a head start.
The Malaysians clawed back in the second game through Andrea Lee who won 11-8, 11-6, 11-6 against Mao Shi Hui to level score at 1-1 overall. The deciding match produced a thrilling battle between Sneha and Aifa but the Malaysian triumphed 3-0.
“I was a little nervous since we lost the opening match and there was a lot of pressure on me to win. Furthermore this is the first time I am playing in a glass-enclosed court and adapted to the surrounding rather quickly,” said Andrea.
Meanwhile, Singapore overcame the Philippines 2-1 to win gold in the men’s team through Samuel Kang, Vivian Rhamanan, Pang Ka Hoe and Benedict Chan.
