Injury-hit Wee Wern set to play through the pain in Windy City
World number six Low Wee Wern has announced she will compete at this week’s Windy City Open in Chicago, despite not being 100% fit.
The 23-year-old, who will be the top ranked Malaysian in the draw after Nicol David’s withdrawal, sustained a thigh injury during her loss to Omneya Abdel Kawy in the first round of the Cleveland Classic earlier this month.
But with her top eight ranking under threat, Wee Wern believes competing at the WSA Gold 50 event is imperative to boost her hopes of a high seeding at the delayed 2013 Women’s World Championship next month and the Asian Games later this year.
“I am almost recovered, maybe not 100%, but I’ve been working on court already so I think I am good to go,” the Malaysian number two told The Star Online.
“I was actually mulling over pulling out because I definitely want to be at my best for the World Championships in Penang. I only made the decision to book my flight to Chicago three days ago.
“The main reason why I’m taking this risk is because I need the points to consolidate my world ranking as I didn’t do so well at the Cleveland Classic.
“Hong Kong’s Annie Au, on the other hand, played really well there by making the final and there is a chance she might overtake me if I miss the competition in Chicago.
“With the Asian Games this year as well, I definitely can’t afford to slip down the rankings as it could affect the seedings. Besides, any tournament that doesn’t have Nicol in it means it’s a good draw and an equal chance for everyone else to win the title.”
Wee Wern begins her campaign on Friday against Indian number one Dipika Pallikal, with world number three Raneem El Weleily potentially awaiting in the quarter-finals.
Windy City Open (26 February – 03 March) – First Round Draw:
[1] Laura Massaro (ENG) v Qualifier
[8] Jenny Duncalf v Annie Au (HKG)
[3] Alison Waters (ENG) v Qualifier
[7] Camille Serme (FRA) v Kasey Brown (AUS)
[6] Madeline Perry (IRL) v Qualifier
[WC] Aisling Blake (IRL) v [4] Joelle King (NZL)
Dipika Pallikal (IND) v [5] Low Wee Wern (MAS)
[2] Raneem El Welily (EGY) v Qualifier
Source: The Star; Pictures by Steve Cubbins (SquashSite)