THE chance to compete in the Birmingham Commonwealth Games is undoubtedly a massive opportunity for squash player Chan Yiwen.
The world No 81 will be teaming up with another Games debutante in 20-year-old Noor Ainaa Amani Ampandi in the women's doubles event at the Birmingham Games from July 28-Aug 8.
While the spotlight is on the more experienced S. Sivasangari-Rachel Arnold pairing, who were bronze medallists at the World Doubles Championships, Yiwen, 21, is quietly confident of taking her chances to spring an upset or two.
Yiwen-Ainaa fared well at the world doubles meet as, despite being unseeded, they stood their ground against opponents from India and England to finish in the top eight.
"I have prepared myself hard to have this chance to compete at the Commonwealth Games, and I want to make the best out of it," said Yiwen.
"It is a chance to compete against top players. Although I am only playing the doubles, it is still an opportunity to learn.
"In doubles, anything can happen as long as we play to our strengths.
"We have been focusing on doubles training in the last few weeks. We have been working on our court movement and strategies.
"I believe our combination is improving. We want to go there confidently and use our youthfulness against the more experienced players to our benefit."
The KL player, who finished third at the recent National Championships after beating Rachel Arnold, hopes to secure another PSA Tour title at the Tunku Muhriz Trophy in Negri Sembilan, which starts tomorrow.
She is certainly looking to be back on familiar grounds at the Seri Menanti Squash Centre, where she won the PSNS President's Trophy in February.
"I feel good about my game after beating Rachel. It was my first time beating a senior in the national team," said Yiwen.
"Now I want to do it more consistently, and I'm definitely aiming to win the title this week."
Yiwen is seeded first, although she is likely to meet recently crowned Asian Junior Under-19 champion Aira Azman in the second round.