Aifa Azman continued her strong run Down Under, this time marching into the final of the US$6,000 (RM25,231) Melbourne Open with minimal fuss yesterday.
The 17-year-old, who won last week’s North Coast Open in Coffs Harbour, opened her day with a straightforward 11-2, 11-3, 11-7 win over fifth-seeded Frenchwoman Chloe Mesic in the quarter-finals.
In the semi-finals, Aifa led 11-9, 11-2 before compatriot Ooi Kah Yan was forced to retire following an injury during the opening set.
Kedah-born Aifa said she is happy to have made the final on Merdeka Day.
“It was tough in the first set against Kah Yan, she fell, hit her head and took a long rest. I lost my rhythm and I went from being at 6-6 to 9-6 down, but managed to focus and win the first set.
“I changed my game plan in the second set and won easily 11-2. Unfortunately, she had to pull out after that.
“My sister (Aika) took Kah Yan to a hospital and thankfully, she is fine now.”
Kah Yan defeated Aifa’s elder sister Aika 11-8, 11-9, 11-9 in their quarter-final match.
Aifa plays Australian second seed Sarah Cardwell for the crown today.
Sarah downed compatriot Christine Nunn 11-4, 13-11, 11-2 in her semi-final match.
Sarah had lost to Aifa in the opening round at the North Coast Open last week.
“I played Sarah in Coffs Harbour where I lost the first set but came back to win it 3-1,” said Aifa.
“I think it is going to be a lot tougher this time as she knows my game now and will obviously want to beat me.
“I am just going to stay focused and be on top of my game.”
Aifa’s win at the North Coast Open earned her a slot for the World Championships, which will be held in Egypt on Oct 23-Nov 1.