Juggling between books and squash is as easy as pie for Sivasangari

KUALA LUMPUR: S. Sivasangari (pic) bagged her 10th Professional Squash Association (PSA) title to show that she is doing just fine in balancing between professional squash and studies.

The national player, who went to pursue a study and playing journey at the prestigious Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, the United States, in January, did not wait too long to show her prowess by winning the Racquet Club Pro-Series title yesterday.

The second seeded Sivasangari pulled off the win in superb style when she defeated Egypt’s world No. 35 and top seed Nada Abbas 9-11, 11-6, 13-11, 11-6 in the final in St. Louis.

After suffering a setback in the first set, the determined Malaysian bounced back to show she is on the right track to become a world-class star just like her senior Nicol David.

“I’ve been training hard for this tournament. I really wanted to do well because I can’t play in as many tournaments as I would like to now as I have my studies in the university,” said Sivasangari.

“I expected a tough match from the start and it was, but I controlled from the start and maintain my lead.”

“I’m really glad to win this and it is a big boost that tells me I’m on the right track even though I have to be in university.”

There was no better way for Sivasangari to bounce back after she was knocked out in the first round of the platinum level event, Tournament of Champions in New York City, in January.

The Kedah lass also seems to have benefited from her coaching under former world No. 1 and and two-time world champion David Palmer of Australia since she moved to the US.

Sivasangari’s next assignment is the Asian Individual Squash Championships in Bukit Jalil from May 1-5.