Theiviya overcomes pain to enter final

S. THEIVIYA had blisters on her fingers but it did not stop the teenager from reaching the women's singles final of the BMW Malaysian Circuit first leg at the National Tennis Centre in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

The top seed overcame a sluggish first set to edge Aslina Chua 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 in two hours.

It was a painful experience for Theiviya but the 19-year-old rallied on to set up a final against second seed Yussyazlin Nabila Yusri, who defeated former national champion Alyssa Boey 6-1, 6-4 in the other semi-final, today.

"The blisters had little effect on me as I was too focused on the match. The match could have gone either way but an early break point in the third helped me regroup and win."

On the final, Theiviya said Yussyazlin will be a tough opponent as she is playing well.

"I have beaten her before but she has improved so much. It is good for local tennis that many players are now making progress in their game."

Theiviya and Asline will pair up against Alyssa-Nurin Nabila in the doubles final.

In men's singles, American-born top seed Austin Karosi eased past Asean University gold medallist Syed Aqil Syed Naguib 6-2, 6-0 in a one-sided semi-final match.

Syed Agil could not last the tempo as he was nursing a shoulder injury.

Second seed Si Yew Ming was given a huge fight by former international Abd Hazli Zainuddin before prevailing 6-4, 7-5 for a spot in the final.

Yew Ming, 34, is hoping to regain his status as the national No 1 following his defeat to Ariez Elyaas Deen Heshaam in last month's Masters final.

"Karosi is playing well here but I believe I have a good chance of winning it tomorrow (today)," said Yew Ming.