Ameeshenraj-Rachel, Ainaa-Xin Ying in Asian Squash finals
KUALA LUMPUR: Two Malaysian pairs will fight for titles at the Asian Squash Championships in Kuching on Thursday.
Third seeds C. Ameeshenraj-Rachel Arnold stunned India's second seeds Velavan Senthilkumar-Joshna Chinappa 8-11, 11-7, 11-9 in 37 minutes to reach the mixed doubles final at the Sarawak Squash Centre.
They will face India's top seeds Abhay Singh-Anahat Singh, who edged Malaysia's Syafiq Kamal-Ainaa Amani 11-8, 10-11, 11-5 in the other semi-final.
Top seeds Ainaa Amani-Yee Xin Ying also booked their place in the women's doubles final with a dominant 11-2, 11-5 win over Hong Kong's third seeds Ho Tze Lok-Fung Ching Hei.
The Malaysians will meet second seeds Anahat-Joshna Chinappa, who cruised past Hong Kong's Wong Po Yui-Toby Tse 11-7, 11-6 in their semi-final.
Xin Ying, who is based in the United States at Cornell University, credited good communication with Ainaa as the key to their success.
"As top seeds, there's always pressure in every match," said Xin Ying.
"But we stick to our game plan and try to minimise errors heading into the final."
Malaysia had to settle for bronze in the men's doubles.
Duncan Lee-Syafiq Kamal, the third seeds, fought hard before going down 10-11, 11-9, 11-9 to Pakistan's second seeds Noor Zaman-Nasir Iqbal in a tough 69-minute semi-final.
The Pakistanis will face India's top seeds Abhay-Velavan, who beat Hong Kong's Wong Chi Him-Tang Ming Hong 11-6, 11-9 in the other semi-final.
National coach Ajaz Azmat praised the effort shown by Duncan-Syafiq.
"They gave everything and were unlucky not to make the final," said Ajaz.
"Still, we're proud of their performance and hope the other pairs can go all the way."
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