PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s fine run in the World Women’s Team Squash Championship was halted in the semifinals by top seeds Egypt with a 2-0 win in Cairo on Thursday (Dec 15).

World No. 80 Chan Yiwen took to the court first but could not stop World No. 3 Hania El Hammamy from winning 11-8, 11-2, 11-5 in 23 minutes.

Aifa Azman played brilliantly but World No. 1 Nouran Gohar proved too strong and earned an 11-8, 13-11, 3-11, 11-4 win in 43 minutes to confirm Egypt’s spot in the final.

The third match between Rachel Arnold and Egypt’s World No. 2 Nour El Sherbini was not played.

In the other semifinal clash, the United States defeated England 2-0 to reach the final for the first time.

Defending champions Egypt play the Americans in the final on Friday (Dec 16) night.