Delia Delights Home Crowd At Malaysian Open

Unseeded Malaysian Delia Arnold delighted the home crowd on the opening day of main draw action in the Women's CIMB Malaysian Open when she stunned England's fifth seed Alison Waters to claim a place in the last 16 of the WSA World Series Gold championship in Kuala Lumpur for the first time in 12 attempts since 2002.

"I finally got the win that I wanted," said the KL-born 28-year-old who is ranked 39 in the world - 33 places lower than her illustrious opponent who was a silver medallist in the Commonwealth Games earlier this month.

"I changed my game a little," explained the Malaysian number three after her 7-11, 11-6, 6-11, 11-7, 11-9 upset in 69 minutes. "I used to play a fast-paced game. Now I'm slowing down my game to be more medium pace in order to last the pace of the entire match."

Arnold will now face Amanda Sobhy, the 10th seed from the USA who beat Mexican qualifier Samantha Teran 11-7, 11-1, 11-6.

But there was a further massive upset today when 15-year-old Habiba Mohamed Ahmed beat Camille Serme, the No4 seed from France, 11-6, 6-11, 7-11, 11-9, 11-8 in 73 minutes.

The Egyptian youngster arrived in Malaysia just days after becoming the world junior champion in Namibia against the odds - winning the prestigious U19 title after a series of major scalps, including that of the 18-year-old title-holder Nour El Sherbini, ranked eight in the world.

"I'm very happy to win," said the modest qualifier from Alexandria. "I didn't expect to beat Camille. She beat me first in March at the World Championships. It was 3/0 then. I'm happy to win this time."

In her first appearance in the second round of a WSA World Series event, Ahmed will line up against seasoned professional Jenny Duncalf, the 11th seed and former world No2 from England who beat Hong Kong qualifier Tong Tsz-Wing 11-6, 11-6, 11-6.

Top seeds Nicol David and Laura Massaro eased into the second round after straightforward straight games wins. Favourite David, the world No1 from Malaysia who is expected to reach her 12th successive final and pick up the title for the ninth time, needed just 16 minutes to get past Hong Kong qualifier Liu Tsz-Ling 11-3, 11-2, 11-3.

"It was a good match against Liu," said the 30-year-old from Penang. "I was expecting her to put up a Hong Kong-styled match - a lot of shots - and I got it. I am happy because it's a good win for me and I played some good shots especially leading to a tough week ahead.

"It's always nice to get a few good shots in and get your game going," added the 2014 Commonwealth Games women's singles gold medallist.

Massaro, the world No2 from England, defeated 41-year-old US qualifier Latasha Khan 11-6, 11-2, 11-4. "I thought I played well," said the world champion. "Latasha played well too, in my opinion, despite the score.

"We are good friends and it's never easy to play friends on the court. But I've got to be professional and get the job done."

2nd round line-up:
[1] Nicol David (MAS) v [14] Joshana Chinappa (IND)
[7] Annie Au (HKG) v [9] Omneya Abdel Kawy (EGY)
[3] Raneem El Welily (EGY) v [15] Joey Chan (HKG)
[6] Low Wee Wern (MAS) v [13] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG)
Delia Arnold (MAS) v [10] Amanda Sobhy (USA)
[Q] Habiba Mohamed Ahmed (EGY) v [11] Jenny Duncalf (ENG)
[8] Madeline Perry (IRL) v [12] Rachael Grinham (AUS)
[2] Laura Massaro (ENG) v [16] Nour El Tayeb (EGY)