Rise to the occasion: (From left) Whitney Isabelle Wilson, J. Yasshmita, Aira Azman and Doyce Lee are all smiles after winning the Asian Junior Team Championships.
PETALING JAYA: Aira Azman played the perfect anchor while J. Yasshmita proved to be an ideal finisher as Malaysia captured the girls’ crown at the Asian Junior Squash Team Championships.
The duo were in brilliant form as they defeated familiar foes Hong Kong 2-0 in Chennai yesterday to deliver the country’s fourth straight girls’ team title after winning the previous editions in 2015, 2017 and 2019.
The 18-year-old Aira, who dropped a point against India’s Anahat Singh in the semi-finals, recovered from the setback to give Malaysia a perfect start by beating Wai Sze Wing 11-2, 11-9, 11-5.
The psychological edge was the right kind of boost Yasshmita needed as she registered the finest hour of her squash career by staying above pressure to beat Toby Tze in a five-game thriller 11-5, 7-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-7.
The victory was indeed sweet as all four players – including Doyce Lee and Whitney Isabelle Wilson – were making their debut.
A relieved Aira was happy to make amends.
“I did my part to give the first point to take the pressure away from my teammates,” said Aira.
“It was my chance to give back and I was very determined. Coach Andrew (Cross) also told me to forget about the defeat (against Anahat) and stay focused.
“I played well against Sze Wing and with one point in the bag, half the battle was won. I’m glad that I made it easier for Yasshmita.”
Yasshmita, 18, was on cloud nine as this was her biggest success as a junior and she was pleased to play a key role by clinching the winning points in both the semi-final and final matches.
The Seremban-born, who overcame a back injury midway through the match against India’s Pooja Arthi, said Aira’s win eased her nerves and helped her to beat Toby for the first time in her third attempt.
“We were so nervous coming into the tournament as first-timers but it feels really good to win my biggest career title,” said Yasshmita.
“I was tensed as this was my big final but when Aira won, I was a little relaxed and the battle with Toby was more physical (than mental).
“I’ve never beaten her but I kept fighting. I’m glad to finally beat her and I achieved it at the most crucial time.”
Cross was pleased with the way the girls played to justify their top billing.
“The girls were excellent. Aira came back from her disappointment to give a good start,” said Cross.
“We knew Yasshmita’s match was going to be tight but it was good that she handled that pressure well and delivered the winning point.”
In the men’s competition, favourites Pakistan clinched the crown after beating India 2-0 in the final. Men: Pakistan bt India 2-0 (Noor Zaman bt Krishna Mishra 12-10, 9-11, 13-11, 11-9; Hamza Khan bt Paarth Ambani 11-7, 11-5, 11-4).
Women: Malaysia bt Hong Kong 2-0 (Aira Azman bt Wai Sze Wing 11-2, 11-9, 11-5; J. Yasshmita bt Toby Tse 11-5, 7-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-7).
