Rachel Arnold and S. Sivasangari exchanging shots during one of the local tournaments. - RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star.
PETALING JAYA: National squash player Rachel Arnold reached the final of a Silver tier Professional Squash Association (PSA) tournament for the first time in the China Open but S. Sivasangari could not make it a double joy.
The world No. 30 Rachel secured a straightforward 11-7, 11-9, 11-7 win over compatriot and world No. 35 Aira Azman in the semi-finals at the Shanghai Oriental Sports Centre in Shanghai.
But Sivasangari went down 11-6, 11-3, 10-12, 8-11, 9-11 to Farida Mohamad of Egypt in another semi-final. She was leading 9-8 in the deciding set when she got hit in the eye, and needed medical treatment.
She returned on court and showed true grit but went down 9-11.
Sivasangari however, could have won the match in straight sets after taking a 10-2 lead in the third but fate took a cruel turn when Farida found her stride, taking the third and pressing on to force a decisive fifth.
Rachel, who will take on Farida on Sunday, hopes to win her first title in five years.
"I think it hasn’t sunk in yet...still can’t believe that I’m in a final of a silver event," said the 28-year-old Rachel, who last won a title in the Malaysian Open in 2019.
SEMI-FINALS RESULTS
(Malaysians unless stated)
Men: Mohamed Elshorbagy (Egy) bt Iker Pajares (Esp) 11-7, 11-7, 7-11, 11-3.
Women: Rachel Arnold bt Aira Azman 11-7, 11-9, 11-7; Farida Mohamed (Egy) bt S. Sivasangari 6-11, 4-11, 12-10, 11-8, 11-9.
