HIGH-riding Chan Yiwen is hoping to make an impact by quashing the Egyptian threat in the CIMB Foundation World Junior Squash Championships at the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil from July 30-Aug 9.
Yiwen’s confidence is sky high after winning the Asian Junior Championship title with a hard-fought victory over Aifa Azman in the final last month and making the semi-finals of the Ohana National Championships last week where she took a game off eventual winner Low Wee Wern.
“This will be my third appearance in the world meet but the first time I’ll be playing in the team competition, as it was not held last year,” said the Jitra-born Yiwen, who also won the SRAM PSA 1 tournament title in April.
“Our target is to reach the team semi-finals and then see how it goes from there. I’m looking forward to putting in some great performances against the Egyptians, especially against World No 15 Hania El Hammamy who will be the one to beat.
“I think I am on the right track as I managed to compete well against Wee Wern, who is the World No 23, at the nationals.
“I’m more mature now and can better pace myself during games. I’ve also worked hard on my fitness, which will allow me to handle the longer rallies.”
Yiwen, who lost in the third round of the world meet last year, is seeded joint fifth-eighth in the individual competition.
Her teammates are Aifa Azman, Ooi Kah Yan and Ainaa Ampandi.
The national team finished runners-up to Egypt in the 2017 edition of the team competition, which is held biennially. The individual event is held annually.