Shanghai: Malaysia’s national women’s squash player Rachel Arnold produced an impressive performance to advance to the quarterfinals of the China Open 2025 after defeating fifth seeded Nele Gilis of Belgium in Shanghai, China, today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, in the round of 16, Rachel won 3-1 (11-6, 11-9, 6-11, 11-6) in 44 minutes, marking her first-ever victory over Gilis after losing all five of their previous encounters.

The Malaysian will next face top seed Hania El Hammamy of Egypt in the quarterfinals with the challenge ahead remaining steep as Rachel has yet to record a win in five previous meetings against the world No 2.

Meanwhile, another Malaysian women’s player, Aifa Azman, fell short in a tight five-game battle against Egypt’s Salma Hany, losing 11-6, 11-8, 3-11, 2-11, 13-11 in 55 minutes.

Her younger sister, Aira Azman, was also defeated by third seed Amina Orfi of Egypt, 11-3, 11-4, 11-6.

In the men’s competition, Malaysia’s Ng Eain Yow suffered a straight-games defeat to Egypt’s Mohamad Zakaria, 11-5, 13-11, 11-6 in 64 minutes.