Sivasangari sends out positive messages after rise in world rankings

Early breakthrough: Aira Azman upstaged second seed Salma El Tayeb of Egypt to win the Tunku Muhriz Trophy.

PETALING JAYA: You can’t keep a good woman down.

National squash player S. Sivasangari (pic) has finally sent out positive messages a week after being treated in the hospital following a road accident last Sunday, which had caused injuries to her head and spine.

“Sixteenth in the world! Hope to recover and get back at it as soon as possible,” the 23-year-old tweeted on Saturday.

Her excitement is understandable as Sivasangari has moved up to 16th from 19th position in the latest women’s world rankings, which were updated by the Professional Squash Association (PSA).

It was her career’s best position in the world.

“Thank you for all your concerns and wishes. I’m doing much better now and will get back to all of you really soon.

‘‘Once again, thank you for all your messages, and please keep me in your prayers!”

The doctors have given her three months to recover.

Tomorrow, Sivasangari will undergo another surgery as the medical team continue to improve her condition.

“She will be in the hospital for another week. The surgery will be for her jaw and under the eye,” said Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) director of coaching Major (Rtd) S. Maniam.

“She has got a neck brace to take care of the slight fracture on cervical spine (C1). I’ve visited her several times, and every time I go and see her, she is improving.

“As for her return, we will take it as it comes.”

Sivasangari was supposed to be the flag bearer for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham from July 28-Aug 8 but she has been replaced by Aifa Azman.

Aifa has moved four rungs to 24th in the world while Rachel Arnold has improved from 37th to 34th.

The Egyptians dominate the top three positions in the world.

Nouran Gohar continues to reign as the world No.1, marking four successive months as the leading female player.

Reigning world champion Nour El Sherbini finished the season strongly at No. 2 after beating Nouran to win the World Tour Finals last month.

Hania El Hammamy remains at No. 3 spot.