Xin Ying wins Sabah’s first ever Sukma gold in squash

KUCHING (Aug 18): Sabah’s national squash player Yee Xin Ying made a brilliant comeback to win the women’s singles final in the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma) today.

It was Sabah’s first ever gold in Sukma in the squash competition.

Xin Ying followed up her stunning semifinal win over two-time national champion Aira Azman of Kedah with another superb display in the title match against K. Sehveetrraa at the Sarawak Squash Centre.

Sehveetrra of Kedah got off to a flying start by taking the first two sets 11-9, 11-7 but Xin Ying found her rhythm at the right time to stage a comeback.

After winning the third set 11-8, Xin Ying never looked back as she won 11-7, 11-8 in the last two sets to secure a 3-2 win.

“I’m extremely happy to have won,” said the 18-year-old following her historic victory.

“My coach and teammates outside the court were very supportive … I was motivated every time they cheered for me and this helped me to get my rhythm back.

“I was able to avenge the defeat of my teammate (Lai) Wen Li in the last Sukma and overall I’m happy with my performance,” said Xin Ying whose Sukma medal collection includes a team bronze in 2018 and a silver in the women’s doubles with Wen Li in 2022.

The Sandakan lass, who is pursuing her tertiary education at the Cornell University in the United States, will again feature in the women’s doubles with new partner Doyce Lee.

Xin Ying pledged her best to try and help win a second gold for Sabah.

“After Sukma I will return to the United States but before that, I have the women’s doubles to play for with Doyce … we will give it our utmost best,” said Xin Ying.

Meanwhile, Sabah Squash Association president Datuk Charles O Pang hailed a new milestone in the history of Sabah squash with the Sukma gold.

“Based on past records involving our athletes who have excelled in squash, players can both excel in the field of academic and sports if they put their mind into it as proven by Xin Ying and Wen Li who study in Ivy league universities in US.

“I wish to congratulate our coaches, team manager and players for their hard work and cooperation. Not forgetting the Youth and Sports Ministry, Sabah Sports Council and also the parents for their great support,” he texted.