Now comes the real challenge

PETALING JAYA: Beating three of the top four ranked players in London will not be enough for Sivasangari – she has to consistently beat the world’s top 10 players.

That will be her real challenge, says national director of coaching S. Maniam said Sivasangari will have to keep striving for excellence after sensationally capturing the London Classic title.

She stunned Egypt’s world No. 1 Nour ElSherbini, world No. 2 Hania El Hammamy and Belgium’s world No. 4 Nele Gilis en route to capturing her biggest crown in the Professional Squash Association (PSA) tour at the Alexandra Palace on Monday.

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Maniam was pleased to see the world No. 13 record her maiden wins over the trio but wants her to continue performing at the highest level.

“This has been an absolutely outstanding week for Sivasangari,” he said.

“She performed beyond expectations beating three of the world’s top four players and we can certainly say it was no fluke.

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“In my opinion, Sangari has come of age and is ready to take on the top 10 players in the world.

“She has reached that level in all aspects – fitness, mental resilience as well as skill level.

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“But those who lost to her, and many others, will now be gunning for her. She has to be on her A-game all the time which is not easy,” added Maniam.

He believed Sivasangari, who will move up to a career high No. 11 in the world after the win in London, needs to keep improving on her game.

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“She has to keep innovating and continue working hard to move forward,” said Maniam. “She also needs to stay focused and maintain her fitness.

“I believe she can break into the top 10 soon and has to keep aiming high in all her tournaments after this.”

Sivasangari’s next tournament will be the El Gouna International from April 19-26 in Egypt. She also has a huge task in the World Championships from May 9-18, also in Egypt.