KUALA LUMPUR: World No. 22 Rachel Arnold failed to defend her China Open title after losing to world No. 2 Hania El Hammamy of Egypt in the quarter-finals in Shanghai on Thursday.
The 29-year-old Malaysian, who stunned world No. 12 Nele Gilis of Belgium in the second round yesterday, lost 11-7, 11-1, 6-11, 11-6 in 37 minutes.
Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) coaching director Andrew Cross said the performances of all five Malaysian players — Rachel, Ng Eain Yow, and the Azman sisters, Aifa and Aira (who lost in the second round), and Ainaa Amani (who lost in the first round) — were positive this week at the China Open.
“Players are moving in the right direction,” said Cross.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
