KUALA LUMPUR: Rachel Arnold defeated compatriot Aifa Azman in a hard-fought match to advance to the second round of the Egyptian Open on Friday.
World No. 19 Rachel came back from a game down to win 9-11, 11-6, 11-9, 9-11, 13-11 in 50 minutes.
It was her fifth victory over world No. 42 Aifa in seven meetings.
Rachel, who won the China Open last November, will face world No. 15 Salma Hany of Egypt in the second round on Saturday.
Meanwhile, world No. 28 Aira Azman also survived a scare, prevailing over world No. 44 Nadine Shahin of Egypt 6-11, 9-11, 11-3, 11-7, 11-3 in 35 minutes.
Aira, a three-time national champion, will take on world No. 3 Hania El Hammamy of Egypt for a place in the third round.
National coach Ajaz Azmat said it was a very close match between Rachel and Aifa.
“Every time Rachel led in a game, Aifa would fight back to level the score. However, Rachel did well to take the points during the crucial stages of the match.
“Aira, on the other hand, had a slow start and lost the first two games before she bounced back to play much better to win the next three convincingly,” said Ajaz.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
