Top seeds Syafiq-Aifa 'robbed' in Asian Games defeat

NAGOYA: Squash player Aifa Azman made it clear she was unhappy with a number of referee decisions during her mixed doubles quarter-final with partner Syafiq Kamal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games today.

The top-seeded Malaysian duo's campaign came to an end after they lost 11-7, 11-5 to Hong Kong's Lee Ka Yi-Tang Ming Hong at the Nagoya Kinjo Futo Arena.

Aifa questioned the number of stroke calls awarded to their opponents.

"I just think the rules were a bit weird today. There were just so many strokes over two sets, which I just could not believe. I am still trying to accept the decisions," said Aifa.

"In doubles, it is a bit hard for you to get space when there are four people on the court. I think it (the decisions) should depend on how you clear after you hit the shots.

"Getting at least 10 strokes against us in that match is a lot. This is something we have to work on if we want to keep playing doubles."

Syafiq admitted it was simply not their day.

"We tried our best but our level was just not there. We just have to accept that they were the better pair today," said Syafiq.

Compatriots Ameeshenraj Chandaran-Rachel Arnold advanced to the semi-finals with an 11-8, 11-9 win over South Korea's Oh Seojin-Heo Mingyeong.

They will face Hong Kong's Toby Tse Yee Lam-Lai Cheuk Nam for a place in the final tomorrow.

Toby-Cheuk Nam defeated Pakistan's Asim Khan-Mehwish Ali 11-6, 11-7 in their quarter-final earlier today.

Defending champions Ng Eain Yow and S. Sivasangari will compete in the men's and women's singles quarter-finals later today.

Aira Azman, Aifa's sister, will also compete in the women's event.