Aifa suffers injury blow in British Open exit
KUALA LUMPUR: World No. 39 Aifa Azman put up a brave fight before falling to Egypt's Zeina Mickawy in the first round of the British Open in Birmingham on Sunday.
Aifa, who had beaten world No. 29 Mickawy at the 2022 El Gouna Open, went down 12-10, 13-11, 9-11, 8-11, 11-7 in 51 minutes.
World No. 48 Ainaa Amani also bowed out early, losing 11-6, 11-7, 11-7 in just 26 minutes to veteran Englishwoman Sarah-Jane Perry, ranked 25th.
On Saturday, world No. 19 Rachel Arnold was stunned by Egypt's world No. 38 Kenzy Ayman 11-6, 14-12, 11-5.
National coach Ajaz Azmat praised Aifa's determination despite the result.
"Aifa showed tremendous fighting spirit, but unfortunately couldn't get the win as Mickawy played very well," said Ajaz.
"She has suffered a hamstring injury after the match, and we're assessing how serious it is."
Ajaz added that Ainaa started well but failed to maintain her momentum.
"She was 5-0 up in the first game and 4-0 up in the third, but her inconsistency and fitness let her down.
"Competing at the British Open demands a very high level of conditioning.
"As for Rachel, she gave it a go but couldn't convert her chances into points."
Meanwhile, world No. 8 S. Sivasangari, who received a bye in the opening round, will face India's Anahat Singh (No. 57) for a place in the third round on Monday.
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