PETALING JAYA: Top junior Rachel Arnold did not enjoy the best of times at the Asian Junior Squash Championships last month.
So, she cannot wait to make up for the Women's World Junior Championships in Wroclaw, Poland, from July 16 to 27.
The 17-year-old came close to scoring an upset over top choice Anaka Alankamony India in the last quarter of the Under-19 category, but, despite holding a 2-1 lead, she allowed her opponent to come back strong to win in five sets.
Frustrated and unhappy, she is not eager to do better when he makes his world junior debut.
It will not run smoothly for the ninth to the 16th seed, however, because even though the first round bye she attracted to meet Asian Junior Under-17 champion Effluent Shan Choi Hong Kong in the second round.
Victory will see United face Maria Elena Ubina in the third round, with a potential clash against fifth-seeded eighth joint Mariam Ibrahim Metwally Egypt in the last 16.
“It was quite a disappointing Asian Juniors for me because I was nearly through to the semi-finals. But Anaka was simply the better player on that day and I made too many mistakes,” said Rachel.
“I’ve learned a lot from that defeat and I’m quite sure I will not make the same mistakes.
“As for the World Juniors, I’m quite excited as it’s my debut. I’m also a little nervous because there’s also the team event ... which adds more pressure.”
Team events range from 22 to 27 July, a day after the end of the individual competition. Malaysia is ranked sixth in 2011.
“I played in the team events in Sukma and also the Asian Juniors, but the world juniors will be a different challenge,” said Rachel.
“Luckily, I’ll have Vanessa (Raj) and Celine (Yeap), who played in the 2011 World Junior Championships, with me and I can get some pointers from them,” said Rachel.
The fourth member of the team will be 14-year-old S. Sivasangari.
News from: http://www.thestar.com.my/Sport/Squash/2013/07/10/Rachel-Arnold-on-WJ.aspx
By: YC
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