HAVING been a peripheral figure in the squad in her debut at the Kuala Lumpur Sea Games two years ago, a more mature Chan Yiwen is now ready to step up at this year's edition in the Philippines.
The 18-year-old had only competed in the women's doubles at KL2017, pairing with Nazihah Hanis Razak. The duo did well to reach the final before losing to the more senior combination of Rachel Arnold and Andrea Lee.
Yiwen has had a stellar season to date after successfully defending her Asian Under-19 singles title in Macau in June as well as making the quarterfinals of the World Junior Championships in Bukit Jalil last month.
The Kedah-born made it clear that she is prepared for any role she is given in the national side this year.
“This will be my second appearance at the Sea Games, I was only involved in the doubles at KL2017. The name list (for events) has not been finalised yet for this year and I might be involved in other events this time,” said Yiwen.
“I have been doing well so far this season from the Asian juniors to the world junior championships. There is still some time until the Sea Games and I will be playing a few PSA tournaments as part of my preparations before that.
“I was only able to watch the team event from the sidelines last time but if I am involved in it this year I believe handling the pressure will be important.
“We came from behind to win 2-1 in the (team) final at KL2017, so I will have to be prepared to face whatever situation. We also cannot afford to underestimate our opponents no matter who we are playing.”
In addition to Yiwen, Rachel, Ooi Kah Yan and Lai Wen Li have been selected for the team heading to the Philippines where Malaysia will be the outright favourites in the women's competition.
Malaysia had defeated Singapore in the women's team final two years ago. In total Malaysia won six gold, four silver and two bronze in squash at KL2017.