Delia runs of steam, hangs up her racquet at 31

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Delia Arnold (left) and Rachel Arnold plays in the women’s double during the National Open Squash Championshihps in this file photo. — Bernama photo

Delia Arnold (left) and Rachel Arnold plays in the women’s double during the National Open Squash Championshihps in this file photo. — Bernama photo

KUALA LUMPUR: National number two women’s squash player Delia Arnold has cited lack of motivation and performance as the reason to hang up her racquet.

After nearly 20 years on court, the 31-year-old shocked fans and the Squash Rackets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) by tendering her resignation letter to coaching director Major (rtd) S Maniam Wednesday.

The Kuala Lumpur-born player who married former national badminton player Lin Woon Fui six years ago, is however contented with rendering her service to the nation over the last two decades, both as a junior and senior.

“Although it was a tough decision, I’ve no regrets in calling it a day. In fact, I’ve given a lot of thought about it over the past few months and I guess it’s time to move on and pave the way for the younger players to take over. Besides, I’ve not been performing well lately. There is no motivation to play on anymore,” the two-time National champion in 2015 and 2016, was quoted saying in a statement issued by SRAM.

The world number 17 reckoned that national junior S Sivasangari, 17, and her younger sister Rachel, 20, were improving steadily and capable of taking over the reins from the seniors.

Delia has represented the country in the senior squad since 2006, has eight career titles besides helping the Malaysian squad win three consecutive World Women Team Championship bronze medals, in 2008, 2010, 2014 before claiming the silver two years later.

Her best individual achievement was a semi-final appearance in the prestigious British Open in 2015.

“If at all there was one regret, then it would definitely be not reaching my World number 10 target. But I came so close though to World number 12 in Sept 2015,” said Delia, who comes from a family who excels in squash.

The news is certainly a rude shock to SRAM, who have been facing a dilemma, especially with eight-time world champion Datuk Nicol David slipping in the world rankings to World number 7, while National number 3 Low Wee Wern is out due to a recurrence of her knee injury.

“She is an extremely well loved individual, always joyful and gave her best for the country. We wish her well in her future endeavors and hopefully she will come back and serve as a coach or on the management side in SRAM,” added Maniam, who has seen her grow in squash right from the beginning. — Bernama