Rachel Arnold (Photo PSA)
Malaysian duo Rachel Arnold and Aifa Azman have claimed the first wins of the Silicon Valley Squash Open.
Rachel came through a four-game test match against Alina Bushma. Rachel’s error count gave Bushma hope but the experience of Arnold saw her come through 11-6, 11-9, 13-15, 11-9 in 50 minutes.
Aifa recovered from losing a quick opening game 11-3 to lead 2-1, surrendering just five points in two games. Despite another strong showing from Dominguez in the fourth game, Aifa pulled through 3-11, 11-2, 11-3, 11-9.
India’s Anahat Singh and Egypt’s Nardine Garas are also through.
Anahat was tested in her match against Aboulmakarim, the Egyptian showcasing her strong retreival skills to demand high quality before winning 11-8, 11-8, 12-10. Aboulmakarim had her chances but couldn’t consistently put points together to do any scoreboard damage.
Garas, on the other hand, made light work of compatriot Haya Ali 11-5, 12-10, 11-4. Needing just 23 minutes to book her spot in the second round.
In what was always going to be a tricky affair, France’s Baptiste Masotti scored the first men’s victory of the event as he defeated Egypt’s Adam Hawal in straight games 11-8, 11-7, 11-1.
The two opening games saw cat-and-mouse rallies with Masotti looking to utilise his brutal forehand boast to stretch Hawal into the front of the court. The quality of Masotti remained at a consistent high level and after establishing a 2-0 lead, closed the third out 11-1 to move into round two.
Noor Zaman also claimed a win as he recorded a 3-11, 11-5, 11-8, 11-9 win over wildcard Bransten Ming. Zaman didn’t get everything his way against the local hero. Ming won the opening game 11-3 and continued to impress throughout. Zaman came through strongly in the next three games to win 3-1.
