"Siapa Delia?"
Demikian seloroh Rachel Arnold yang kini memiliki kejuaraan dalam Kejohanan Skuasy Terbuka Malaysia berbanding kakaknya, Delia.
Rachel menjadi pemain wanita keempat dari Malaysia yang memenangi kejohanan itu selepas menumbangkan nombor satu negara, Low Wee Wern, dalam final di Pusat Skuasy Nasional, Bukit Jalil, Ahad lalu.
Pemain berusia 23 tahun itu sentiasa dalam bayang-bayang kakaknya yang sudah lama bersara dan kini menjadi sebahagian daripada barisan kejurulatihan negara.
Bagaimanapun, pemain di ranking ke-43 dunia itu tidak pernah berkesempatan mencabar kejuaraan Terbuka Malaysia yang hanya dimenangi Datuk Nicol David, S. Sivasangari dan Wee Wern.
Hakikat itu menjadi sandaran semangat buat Rachel untuk meneruskan legasi kerjaya Delia.
Ahad lalu, angan-angannya itu menjadi realiti selepas menumbangkan rakan senegaranya itu dalam aksi lima set untuk akhirnya melengkapkan kebangkitannya daripada belenggu prestasi yang sejak sekian lama menghantuinya.
"Saya masih terkejut dengan keputusan perlawanan hujung minggu lalu tetapi saya gembira dengan keputusan itu.
"Saya gembira kakak saya tidak pernah memenanginya tetapi sebelum ini, kejohanan ini lebih prestij ekoran (tarikan) penajanya.
"Namun, saya gembira dapat memenanginya dan kakak mengucapkan tahniah. Saya tidak pasti mengenai pencapaiannya pada usia seperti saya. Namun bagi saya, prestasi saya semakin meningkat sejak tahun lalu.
"Saya fikir telah bermain dengan lebih baik ketika ini," katanya pagi tadi.
Penulis Jemputan
Wed Oct 02 2019


Naomi Osaka and Emma Raducanu both fall in opening round of the Canadian Open
Coco Gauff looked stylish on the way to her opening win, while Naomi Osaka was forced to retire while down a set due to a back injury.

Boult granted release from New Zealand Cricket contract
At 33 years old, Black Caps quick Trent Boult has decided his days of travelling the world for international cricket are just about over.

Van Bronckhorst ecstatic as Rangers comeback keeps Champions League qualification dream alive
Rangers will meet Ruud van Nistelrooy's PSV in the Champions League qualification play-offs after another memorable game at Ibrox.

Glasner stresses need for 'special' Frankfurt defence against Benzema-inspired Madrid
Eintracht Frankfurt were thrashed 6-1 by Bayern Munich on Saturday, and Oliver Glasner knows that defensive performance cannot be repeated.

Marseille confirm deal 'in principle' to sign Alexis Sanchez
Alexis Sanchez is on his way to Marseille after his Inter contract was terminated on Monday.

Evergreen Modric sees no reason why Qatar World Cup should affect Madrid game time
Luka Modric will turn 37 in September, but Real Madrid's mercurial midfielder is seeing no reason why he should start slowing down.

Ten Hag can succeed at Man Utd but only if afforded time – Litmanen
Jari Litmanen has backed former Ajax coach Erik ten Hag to turn things around at Man Utd, despite a far from ideal start.

England's 'inspirational' win at 'amazing' Women's Euros evidence of development, says Finland great Kalmari
Laura Kalmari believes England's successful European Championship represented a significant development for the women's game.

'Ronaldo to Atletico, why not?' – Guti believes Real Madrid legend could make controversial LaLiga return
Reports linking Cristiano Ronaldo with Atletico Madrid were not well received, but former Real Madrid man Guti says it makes sense.

Ancelotti hails career-best season, will start Champions League final line-up in Super Cup
Carlo Ancelotti did not expect to get a second chance with Real Madrid, but made the most of that opportunity last season.