S. Sivasangari
PETALING JAYA: Malaysian women's team led by S. Sivasangari shocked favourites England 2-0 to reach the semi-finals of the World Team Championships in Hong Kong on Thursday (Dec 12).
It is the first time that the seven-time champions England have failed to etch a top four finish in the tournament's 45-year history.
Aira Azman was in her element when she bounced back from one set down to upstage Lucy Beercroft 5-11, 13-11, 11-7, 11-6 to give the team a flying start in the quarter-finals.
World No. 10 Sivasangari also staged a superb comeback to beat world No. 19 Sarah-Jane Perry 4-11, 11-7, 11-8, 11-6 to give Malaysia a 2-0 win.
As the tie was already decided, Rachel Arnold did not have to step onto the court.
Malaysia will play the winners of the semi-final match between India and United States.
