PETALING JAYA: Only two doubles combinations are assured of their spots for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games from July 28-Aug 8.
Women’s world championships doubles bronze medallists Rachel Arnold-S. Sivasangari and Syafiq Kamal-Aifa Azman, who finished ninth in the mixed doubles, have earned their tickets based on their performance in Glasgow.
Malaysia are allowed to enter three players each for the men and women’s individual events and can field two pairs each in the men, women and mixed doubles for the Commonwealth Games.
Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) director Major (rtd) S. Maniam said minor changes will be made to other pairings that competed in the World Doubles championships in Glasgow recently.
“I will review the performance of all the pairs once (assistant head coach) Andrew Cross returns. I want his feedback on the players’ performance before deciding on the pairings,” said Maniam yesterday.
“Rachel-Sivasangari and Syafiq-Aifa will be retained while there will be a minor reshuffle in the other pairings.
“As for the individual events, world rankings and current form will be taken into consideration in deciding three slots in each event.”
The other pairs who played in the World Doubles meet are Ng Eain Yow-Ivan Yuen (men’s doubles), Addeen Idrakie-Ong Sai Hung (men’s doubles), Aina Ampandi-Chan Yiwen (women’s doubles) and Ivan-Rachel (mixed doubles).
Eain Yow and Aifa were left to compete in the Manchester Open starting today as Rachel was forced to withdraw after contracting Covid-19.
Eain Yow received a bye while Aifa will play Emilia Soini of Finland in the first round today.