Sisters’ Power At Squash Tournaments

Photo Credit: Singapore Squash Association's Facebook Page

Playing squash was a family affair for sisters Au Yeong Wai Iynn (Secondary 2) and alumna Au Yeong Wai Yhann. Since Wai Iynn, who is younger by 8 years, grew up watching her sister play the sport, she started playing squash at just 7 years old. To pursue her sporting dream, Wai Yhann enrolled mid-stream into Singapore Sports School’s International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in 2018 to take advantage of its athlete-friendly provisions.  In 2020, Wai Iynn likewise enrolled in Sports School after graduating from Singapore Chinese Girls’ Primary School.

Both Wai Iynn and Wai Yhann participated in the Marigold National Squash Championships 2021 and Marigold SGSquash Closed Satellite 2021.   At the Squash Marigold National Squash Championships 2021 held from 10 to 13 November 2021, 22-year-old Wai Yhann clinched her fourth consecutive title with 11-6, 11-2, 11-4 over 15-year-old Gracia Chua in 20 minutes. Meanwhile, Wai Iynn defeated fellow 14-year-old Saiesha Ranjan enroute to finish 4th place in the competition. Wai Iynn played well to take a set off eventual runner-up Gracia Chua in the semi-final before narrowly succumbing to Simmy Ong over four closely fought sets, losing the 4th set 12-10 on deuce.

At the Marigold SGSquash Closed Satellite 2021 which took place from 15-18 November, Wai Yhann punched above her weight again to defeat Lim Jee Nee with 11-6, 11-4, 9-11, 11-3. Wai Yhann eventually took the Women’s title in just under 30 minutes. However, Wai Iynn was taken out by Jee Nee to finish as a losing semi-finalist.

Speaking of her performance at the two competitions, Wai Iynn said: “I am not feeling the happiest about my results in both the competitions but I am working to do better and training every day to prepare myself for other upcoming competitions.”

Wai Iynn will be putting her best foot forward in the MARIGOLD 2021 SGSquash Circuit 2 from 27 November to 4 December and ONCOCARE National Junior Squash Championships 2021 from 7 to 18 December.