PETALING JAYA: S. Sivasangari scripted the finest moment of her professional squash career when she captured the London Classic in a thrilling final at the Alexandra Palace on Monday.
The World No 13 displayed nerves of steel to outplay world No. 2 Hania El Hammamy of Egypt 11-9, 5-11, 13-11, 12-14, 11-8 to become the first Malaysian to win a gold level tournament in recent times in the Professional Squash Association (PSA) world tour.
After battling for 81 minutes, Sivasangari ended her campaign on high, having achieved a remarkable feat of eliminating word No. 1 Nour ElSherbini of Egypt, No 2 Hania and world No. 4 Nele Gilis of Belgium in the same tournament.
However, such an awe-inspiring achievement did not come easy as the towering Hania had come threateningly close to derailing Sivasangari’s title aspirations.
After sharing the spoils in the first two sets, Sivasangari lived dangerously in the third set where she surrendered a 10-7 lead to go down 10-11 but recovered quickly to win 13-11.
More drama unfolded in the fourth set where Hania saved four match points as Sivasangari led 10-8, 11-10, and 12-11 before the Egyptian eventually forced the decider with a 14-12 win.
The effort probably took the toll on Hania as Sivasangari took a 6-1 lead and never looked back after that despite her opponent’s valiant effort.
The London Classic is her first title since winning the bronze level Hong Kong Football Club Open in November last year.
RESULT
Final: S. Sivasangari (Mas) bt Hania El Hammamy (Egy) 11-9, 5-11, 13-11, 12-14, 11-8.
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