KUALA LUMPUR: National No. 3 Aira Azman is going for her third national squash title while national No. 2 Sanjay Jeeva is eyeing his first national title.
The 40th National Championships begin tomorrow at the Nicol David International Squash Centre in Penang.
In the absences of S. Sivasangari, Rachel Arnold and Ng Eain Yow, who are all training overseas for the London Classic (Sept 2-7), Aira and Sanjay are
the top seeds in the National Championships.
Fourteen players will feature in the men’s category and 12 players will compete in the women’s division.
Sanjay, who has a first round bye, is expected to face M. Nickhileswar in the quarter-finals. He is likely to face Duncan Lee in the semi-finals and second seed C. Ameeshenraj in the final.
Sanjay, 26, said: “I’m nervous but excited at the same time. It’s my second national championship, and I’m already the top seed. I feel like there are expectations to win.
“I’m also using this tournament as practice for my new approach in preparation for tournaments in the future.”
Aira, 20, who won the Bermuda Open in May, is expected to face her sister and second seed Aifa in the final. Last year Aira beat Aifa in the final.
World No. 27 Aira said: “I’m feeling good going into the National Championships. Being the top seed is a nice confidence boost, and I’m just trying to stay focused and enjoy each match.
“It’s my third time defending the title, and there’s a bit of pressure. I’m taking it as motivation to push myself.”
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
