KUALA LUMPUR, April 5 (Bernama) -- National squash player Whitney Isabelle Wilson marked an impressive return to competition by capturing the girls’ under-19 title at the SRAFTKL International Junior Open Squash Championship 2026, defeating fellow Malaysian Jinoreeka Ning in a hard-fought final here today.
The 18-year-old, who took a three-month break to focus on her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination, displayed composure and experience to secure a 12-10, 6-11, 11-5, 11-4 victory at the Jalan Duta Squash Centre.
Whitney described the triumph as a refreshing comeback after stepping away from the sport, adding that the break also allowed her to recover from previous injuries fully.
“I feel fresh because it’s been a while since I last played a tournament. After my SPM break, I’ve recovered well, and so far, I’m injury-free,” she told reporters here today.
She acknowledged the challenge posed by Jinoreeka, 15, but credited her experience as the decisive factor after a closely contested opening two sets, including dropping the second.
“I’ve never played her before, so I started with my usual game. But when it didn’t work, I had to change my strategy. It was a bit risky, but I knew I had to try,” she said.
Whitney said the victory came at a crucial point in her career as she prepares to transition fully into the senior circuit, with her next assignment being a PSA event in Chennai, where she will compete starting April 14.
“I’m ready for the senior level. I see myself as an underdog, so I’m excited because there’s no pressure,” she said.
Beyond the court, Whitney, a student of Bukit Jalil Sports School, has also excelled academically, achieving 6As and 2Bs in her SPM examination. She revealed that she has received offers from several prestigious universities, including Columbia, Stanford, Harvard and Princeton, but is still weighing her options.
“I’m considering staying in a local university so I can balance both my studies and squash, but I haven’t made a final decision yet,” she said.
Inspired by Malaysian squash legend Datuk Nicol Ann David, she has set her sights on testing herself against top senior players, including SEA Games Thailand gold medallist K. Sehveetrraa, whom she has only faced in training so far.
Meanwhile, Sarawakian Altamis Aqhar Sallam emerged champion in the boys’ under-19 category after defeating fellow Malaysian Aqil Mirza Naim Khairil 11-6, 8-11, 11-3, 12-10.
-- BERNAMA
