Rachel targets Qatar Classic semi-finals after stunning world champion
KUALA LUMPUR: National squash player Rachel Arnold is in the best form of her career with a bright chance of reaching the Qatar Classic semi-finals.
KUALA LUMPUR: Squash player Rachel Arnold, ranked 25th in the world, is poised to reach the Qatar Classic semi-finals after an incredible upset victory. On Monday, the 30-year-old Malaysian, who ranks 25th globally, defeated world No. 3 Nour El Sherbini of Egypt 9-11, 11-7, 11-8, 12-10, marking her first appearance in the quarter-finals of a Platinum-level tournament.
Rachel will face world No. 12 Jasmine Hutton of England in the quarter-finals at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Centre on Wednesday. Hutton upset Rachel's fellow countrywoman, world No. 8 Georgina Kennedy, in their second-round match. Rachel, a China Open winner in 2024, has a psychological edge over Hutton, having defeated her in 2023 and at the Optasia Open in London in March.
The squash star expressed her elation, crediting her belief in herself for her win. National coach Ajaz Azmat expressed excitement about Rachel creating her biggest win yet, praising her ability to come back from a game down to clinch the second match. Rachel, with a proven track record of beating Hutton twice, must remain cautious as Hutton's recent victory over her teammate Georgina Kennedy could pose a challenge.
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