BANGKOK: Friendly ties were briefly set aside as the women’s singles squash final at the SEA Games 2025 unfolded.
Malaysia’s Ainaa Amani defeated fellow Malaysian, Yee Xin Ying, in four games to clinch gold in an intense all-Malaysian showdown.
Ainaa took early control by securing the opening game 11-7, but Yee showed no intention of yielding, fighting back to narrowly win the second 12-10 and level the match.
The intensity remained high in the third game, with neither player willing to give ground, before the 23-year-old from Kuala Lumpur tightened her play at crucial moments to pull ahead 11-8.
With momentum firmly on her side, Ainaa dominated the fourth game, pulling clear for an emphatic 11-4 win to seal a 3-1 victory.
“Today, there was a lot of pressure on me, and I think on her as well, because playing against each other is never easy. We’ve faced off many times before. Our last meeting was last year, which I won 3-0, but our matches are always very close.
“Same today – I won 3-1, but the scores were tight. As the top seed and senior player, the expectations to win were high,” Ainaa told Sarawak Tribune post-match.
Despite the familiarity of an all-Malaysian final, the atmosphere inside Vajiravudh College today remained highly charged.
The match was marked by extended rallies, precise shot selection, and tactical manoeuvring, with both players demonstrating exceptional court movement and stamina as they battled relentlessly.
“Next, I can finally focus on my PSA (Professional Squash Association) tournaments. Hopefully, if blessed, I’ll have the chance to compete at the Asian Games next year,” she said.
