S. THEIVIYA recorded back-to-back double ‘bagel’ wins to reach the women’s singles quarter-finals of the BMW Malaysian Circuit first leg at the National Tennis Centre in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
Theiviya, the daughter of former national champion S. Selvarajoo, was in near perfect form as the 19-year-old hammered Aida Hereena Hairy Anuar and Rose Shamiza Badrul Hisham with identical 6-0, 6-0 scores.
Selvarajoo said Theiviya is determined to make a huge impact on the tournament.
“She missed out of being the national champion last month due to illness. It has made her more eager to win this title,” said Selvarajoo yesterday.
The top seed, who turned professional last month, is expected to face national champion Aslina Chua in the semi-finals.
“Theiviya should reach the last four for the likely match against Aslina. She is looking forward to this encounter,” Selvarajoo added.
Second seed Yussyazlin Nabila Yusri, Alyssa Boey and Thailand’s Konmawan Thongsaner also won their respective first-round matches yesterday.
In the men’s section, top seed and World No 969 Austin Karosi won his opening three matches to qualify for the fourth round.
The 23-year-old American-born, representing Singapore, started his campaign with a 6-1, 6-1 thrashing of Amirul Aiman Abd Halim, followed by impressive wins over Lee Vun Tsir (6-1, 6-3) and Ahmad Faizal Mansor (6-1, 6-0).
Karosi was due to play Jordan Quek in their fourth round match late yesterday.
Second seed and former national champion Si Yew Ming safely negotiated past Bryan Lim (6-1, 6-1), Danial Anuar Hayes (6-1, 6-0) and national Under-14 champion Koay Hao Sheng 6-4, 6-3 to make the fourth round. The 35-year-old was due to play M. Damien Rocky in a late match yesterday.
Asean University Games champion Syed Aqil Syed Naguib, Abdul Hazli Zainuddin, Ashaari Zainal Abidin, Khoo Er Yang and Ahmad D
