KUALA LUMPUR: Dreams turned into reality for 15-year-old squash sensation Whitney Isabelle, who clinched her first-ever victory on the PSA Tour today.
In a remarkable upset, the unseeded Whitney triumphed over third seed Jessica Keng 11-4, 11-8, 7-11, 12-10 in the PSA Satellite No. 10 tournament women's final at the Melaka Rotunda Club.
Hailing from Penang and a student at the Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS), Whitney leaped for joy upon securing the match point in the final game.
"I only turned professional in February, and in just a few short months, I have won my first PSA title," said Whitney.
"This achievement is special as it also marked my very first career final.
"I gave my all to upset the more experienced Jessica for the first time.
"It's a significant confidence boost, and I aim to build on this success with many more victories in the future."
Overall, it has been a fruitful season for Whitney, who also won the team silver at the World Junior Championships in Melbourne in July and the individual bronze in the Under-17 Asian Junior Championships in Dalian, China, in August.
Her winning momentum shows no signs of slowing down, as she looks forward to competing in the Satellite No.11 tournament in Seremban next month.
Meanwhile, second seed Duncan Lee overcame the frustration of being unable to obtain a visa to participate in the Queensland Open by securing the men's crown.
The 21-year-old Duncan defeated South Korea's Na Jooyoung 12-10, 11-2, 12-10 in the final.
Duncan played some good rallies to beat the Korean in straight sets.
"I am thrilled to have clinched my second PSA title this year. This victory will boost my world ranking," said the World No. 329 Duncan.