KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 16 — Malaysia’s campaign in the Women's World Squash Team Championships was ended by powerhouse Egypt in the semi-finals in Cairo last night.

Chan Yiwen gave a fighting display in the first set before losing to Egypt’s world number three Hania El Hammamy 11-8, 11-2, 11-5 in 23 minutes in the opening match.

In the second match, world number 31 Aifa Azman managed to take a set off world number one Nouran Gohar but still lost in 43 minutes.

Nouran won 11-8, 11-3, 3-11, 11-4 to take the hosts into the final with a 2-0 win.

National head coach Ajaz Azmat said the girls gave the Egyptians a good fight despite losing.

"Their play was very positive, and they were trying to get results today. I actually think today was Aifa’s best performance of the event,” he was quoted as saying by the organiser on its website.

In the final, defending champions Egypt will face first-time finalists the United States (USA). USA, coached by former Malaysian international Ong Beng Hee, downed England 2-0 in the other semi-final. — Bernama