Former world champ Nicol tells Sivasangari to make her own success

Sweet victory: S. Sivasangari kissing the London Classic trophy at the Alexandra Palace. — London Squash Classic

PETALING JAYA: After her magnificent victory at the London Classic, S. Sivasangari will find it difficult to run away from comparisons to squash legend Datuk Nicol David.

However, the eight-time world champion widely regarded as the ‘Greatest of All Time’ in women’s squash has come to the rescue of Malaysia’s latest sensation in the sport.

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Nicol, who has won 80 professional titles and numerous other international crowns, hailed Sivasangari’s efforts at the Alexandra Palace and believes the young Malaysian will chart her own course as a future star.

“I don’t feel comparisons are fair and necessary. Sivasangari will make her own success and I’m so incredibly proud of her. I only wish her to reach all her goals,” said Nicol.

“I would just encourage everyone to be supportive of her own journey. She has all the potential in the world and it’s her own story to tell.

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“My only wish is for Malaysia to focus on Siva being her own person.”

World No. 13 Sivasangari had set pulses raising with an awe-inspiring run in the Professional Squash Association (PSA) gold level tournament by upstaging three of the world’s top four players on Monday.

All the best: Nicol David and Lee Chong Wei congratulate Sivasangari on her feat.

The Malaysian ace demonstrated nerves of steel to first overcome world No 1 Nour ElSherbini of Egypt in the quarter-finals, outduel world No. 4 Nele Gilis of Belgium in the last four before overcoming her former junior rival and current world No. 2 Hania El Hammamy of Egypt 1-9, 5-11, 13-11, 12-14, 11-8 in 81 minutes.

The London Classic was the 25-year-old Sivasangari’s first major title on the PSA world tour. She also became the first Malaysian to win a PSA gold level tournament.

Coincidentally, Nicol was the last Malaysian to reach the final of a gold level tournament, the Windy City Open, in 2015 where she finished runner-up to Egyptian Raneem El Weleily.

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Badminton legend Datuk Lee Chong Wei also heaped praise on Sivasangari for making a significant breakthrough in Malaysia’s build-up towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics (LA28) where squash will make its debut as a medal sport.

Nicol oversees squash’s long-term development plan for the 2028 Olympics under the Road To Gold (RTG) programme.

The achievement, said Chong Wei, will give Sivasangari a headstart in her chase for a medal at the LA28 and will also inspire her fellow teammates.

“We are very proud of Sivasangari’s achievement and the timing is just right as we have already started the build-up under the Road to Gold (RTG) programme to prepare for LA28,” said Chong Wei.

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“It is her biggest career title and this will definitely spur her to achieve more success and keep working hard to do battle at the 2028 Olympics.

“This victory will not only inspire squash players but also other young athletes to aim for international glory.

“As for Sivasangari, she has to keep the fire burning, and continue preparing physically and mentally to strike it right at LA28.”

Chong Wei also lauded the effort of Youth and Sports minister Hannah Yeoh in including squash into the RTG programme and getting Nicol on board to assist in coordinating the long-term preparation for LA28.

All eyes will now be on the 2023 Asian Games champion to continue her scintillating run when she competes in the PSA platinum level event, El Gouna International, in Egypt from April 19-26 which will attract all the top players.

A good run in El Gouna will help her to break into the top 10 in the world rankings for the first time.

But it won’t be easy with her Egyptian rivals seeking revenge for London.

FACTFILE

Name: S. Sivasangari.

Age: 25

Place of birth: Sungai Petani, Kedah.

World ranking: No. 13

Training base: New York.

Coach: David Palmer.

Achievements:

2023 – Hangzhou Asian Games (individual and team golds), Asian Individual Championships (runner-up), Hong Kong Football Club Open (winner).

2022 – World Doubles (bronze).

2018 – Jakarta Asian Games (individual silver and team bronze); British Junior Open (Under-18 winner).