PETALING JAYA: National squash player S. Sivasangari was glad to come out on top after a tough fight against American Amanda Sobhy in the Silicon Valley Open quarter-finals on Monday.
Third seed Sivasangari managed to hold off the charge from fifth seed Sobhy at the Squash Zone in Redwood City, California, to win 12-10, 12-10, 8-11, 11-6 in 48 minutes and book her spot in the final four of the Gold-level event.
Both players are known for their variety and skill mid-court, and traded points into tie-breakers in the first two sets.
But Sivasangari charged on to win despite admitting to having made some errors.
“It’s always tough playing Amanda, she’s so skilful,” said world No. 8 Sivasangari.
“I just tried to focus on my game, and despite a lot of errors on my part, I’m glad I managed to sneak the win in four sets.
“I always have to be ready for whatever is coming from her. She’s really good in the middle and is a wonderful player.
“I just tried to hang in there for every point and fight.”
It was the fourth time the pair met on court this year, and was Sivasangari’s third consecutive win over Sobhy after also winning at the Cincinnati Gaynor Cup final in February and the World Championships in Chicago in May.
Sivasangari will meet seventh seed Salma Hany of Egypt in the semi-finals today, an opponent she has lost to twice in three previous meetings.
The Egyptian had won their recent encounter this year at the El Gouna International in April, coming back from two sets down to defeat Sivasangari in the second round.
Sivasangari will have the chance to go one better than her finish at last year’s edition, where her run was ended in the semi-finals by top seed American Olivia Weaver.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
