KUALA LUMPUR: For the third time in a row, national No 4 Aifa Azman has gotten the better of rival Chan Yiwen.
The Kedahan was on song as she powered to a 12-10, 11-4, 11-4 win in the quarter-finals of the SRAM PSA 7 squash tournament at the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil on Sunday.
The world No 69 started a little slow but there was no looking back once she got into her stride as she claimed victory in 25 minutes.
It was certainly an impressive showing from the 19-year-old, who had beaten world No 103 Yiwen in the finals of the SRAM PSA 5 and 6 events last month.
Aifa goes on to meet Noor Ainaa Amani Ampandi, who took out fourth seed Yee Xin Ying 11-4, 11-7, 8-11, 12-10, for a place in the final.
"I tried to play the same way I did previously but Yiwen was fighting hard for every point in the first game," said Aifa.
"But I definitely stepped it up in the second and third games as I didn't allow her any opportunities.
"I think playing Yiwen three times in a row is definitely tough but the first time was definitely the hardest.
"Because we have such a short period in between tournaments, I've pretty much adapted to her style, and I know what to expect already.
"I'm definitely pleased to be in the semi-finals and I'm hoping to score another convincing 3-0 win tomorrow."
Top seed Rachel Arnold also powered through with an 11-5, 11-6, 11-6 win over Aika Azman and will meet Aira Azman, who downed third seed Ooi Kah Yan 11-7, 7-11, 11-2, 12-10, in the semi-finals.
In the men's event, top seed Ivan Yuen safely navigated his way to the semi-finals with an 11-8, 11-4, 11-6 win over Wee Ming Hock.
The national No 2, who is gunning for his third straight title this year, takes on Ong Sai Hung in the semi-finals.
The other semi-final will be between second seed Syafiq Kamal and third seed Addeen Idrakie.
Results
(All Q-Finals)
Men: Ivan Yuen bt Wee Ming Hock 11-8, 11-4, 11-6; Ong Sai Hung w.o Darren Rahul Pragasam; Addeen Idrakie bt Elvinn Keo 11-4, 4-11, 11-7, 11-3; Syafiq Kamal bt Danial Nurhaqiem 11-2, 8-11, 11-2, 11-9.
Women: Rachel Arnold bt Aika Azman 11-5, 11-6, 11-6; Aira Azman bt Ooi Kah Yan 11-7, 7-11, 11-2, 12-10; Noor Ainaa Amani Ampandi bt Yee Xin Ying 11-4, 11-7, 8-11, 12-10; Aifa Azman bt Chan Yiwen 12-10, 11-4, 11-4.
