PETALING JAYA: S. Sivasangari underlined her status as the country’s No. 1 squash player by pulling off a huge upset win to reach the quarter-finals of the Cincinnati Gaynor Open.
The world No. 26 shocked world No. 14 and seventh seed Tesni Evans of Wales 11-6, 12-10, 11-5 in the second round at the Cincinnati Country Club yesterday.
It is the 23-year-old’s second win over Evans in the Professional Squash Association (PSA) circuit.
Last year, Sivasangari won 11-4, 5-11, 4-11, 11-5, 11-6 in the second round of the El Gouna International in Egypt.
The Cornell University student was delighted with the prized scalp of Evans.
“I felt great on court today. I didn’t put a lot of pressure on myself and just wanted to enjoy myself,” said Sivasangari.
“I followed my game plan really well and got the win which I’m pleased with.”
She will now face Belgium’s world No. 23 Tinne Gillis in the last eight.
“Tinne is a good player and a big fighter. I’ll head into the game with a positive mindset.
“It’s definitely going to be another tough match but I hope too recover and stay positive. I just want to play well and see where I stand against these top girls.
“I’m not looking too far ahead just yet, I just want to take one step at a time.”
Meanwhile, Rachel Arnold was shown the exit in the second round.
The world No. 35 went down to fifth seed and world No. 11 Olivia Fiechter of the United States, 11-3, 11-3, 11-3.
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