KUALA LUMPUR, April 22 — Malaysian sqush ace Delia Arnold does not want to be hasty in setting a target for Women’s World Championship (WWC) which kicks off at the National Squash Centre (NSC) in Bukit Jalil this Sunday.
The Malaysian number two and ranked 15th in the world ranking said playing in her own backyard would lift her spirits to get past the first round.
“I do not want to be under too much pressure. Maybe the chance to get through the first round will be higher this time because I will face players from the qualifying round. But then again, I cannot be too comfortable.
“My one-month preparation for this tournament went smoothly. The most important thing is good mental preparation and physical conditioning and being injury-free,” said the 30-year-old after her training session at NSC here today.
Delia’s best achievement to date came in May last year when she defeated the world’s best players like Alison Waters (England), Annie Au (Hong Kong) and Raneem El Weleily (Egypt).
Delia said she aims to be in the world’s top 10 this year.
“I have to work hard to ensure that my performance is consistent in each tournament, at least up to quarter-finals in several important tournaments after this,” she said.
The championship at Bukit Jalil this weekend will also see the appearance of national number one player, Datuk Nicol David who is second seeded and Low Wee Wern in the main draw.
The tournament also includes world number one Laura Massaro of England, world number three Raneem El Waleily of Egypt and Camille Serme of France (ranked fourth in the world). — Bernama
