TEENAGERS Duncan Lee and Aira Azman claimed their first senior titles at the SEA Cup Squash Championships in Bangkok yesterday.
Aira, 15. who knocked out top seed Jemyca Aribado of the Philippines in the last four, got the better of second seed Wong Heng Wai 13-15, 11-8, 11-3, 11-9 at the Vajiravudh College in the women’s final.
After a first game blemish, Aira grew in confidence and was in control to take the next three games against the 16-year-old Heng Wai for the crown.
“I’m happy to win the title this time after losing in the semi-finals two years ago,” said Aira.
“It was a good match as we both played really well and it was pretty close in the first game.
“I made a few errors, so I guess I was a bit lucky to win in the end.”
Duncan, 17, was also in control as he took out second seed Hafiz Zhafri 11-4, 11-5, 11-4 in the men’s final.
Despite battling to a hard-earned win over top seed Robert Garcia of the Philippines a day earlier, the Sabah-born showed no signs of fatigue against Hafiz.
He raced into a 6-0 lead in the first game and there was no looking back as he pressed the advantage for the win.
“I thought it was a strong performance.
“I felt good on court, and I managed to get my game plan right and played really well,” said a jubilant Duncan.
The Malaysian squad will now turn their attention to the mixed team event, which starts today.