Sivasangari’s fab run in New York will boost bid to break into top 20

PETALING JAYA: It has been a fabulous run for Malaysia’s top woman professional squash player S. Sivasangari.

The world No. 22 stormed into her first Professional Squash Association (PSA) final this year when she stayed calm to notch a fine 11-8, 11-7, 6-11, 12-10 win over fifth seed Farida Mohamed of Egypt in a 46-minute semi-final showdown in the Carol Weymuller Open in New York on Sunday.

She will take on top seed and world No. 8 Rowan Elaraby of Egypt, who was in her element in another semi-final.

The 21-year-old only took 25 minutes to beat compatriot Nadine Shahin 11-9, 11-3, 11-7.

Sivasangari had started the year by reaching the last four of the Cincinnati Gaynor Cup in February but lost to Olivia Fiechter of the United States in five sets.

“I feel really happy, this is my biggest final,” an elated Sivasangari said.

“There was a lot of physical contact on court and the referee was involved a lot of times throughout the whole match.

“So I’m glad to stay calm and positive, and finish the game 3-1.”

“In February, I lost in the semis of a 50k and I’m so happy to make it through. It’s always tough to play Farida. She’s a huge fighter.

“I’ve played Rowan a couple of times and ever since juniors we’ve been playing and I just hope to stick to my game plan and do my best,” added Sivasangari, who won the women’s doubles bronze medal with Rachel Arnold in the World Doubles Championships in Glasgow a fortnight ago.

Sivasangari’s run into the final in New York, where the Sungai Petani-born Malaysian is pursuing a degree at the Cornell University, is likely to help her goal of breaking into the top 20 in the world ranking.