Malaysian squash player S. Sivasangari.
PETALING JAYA: It was a day of highs and lows for national squash player S. Sivasangari.
What began as a moment of celebration after reaching a career-high world ranking of No. 6 turned bittersweet when she suffered a shock defeat in the second round of the US Open in Philadelphia, United States.
The seventh seed fought courageously in an intense 64-minute battle but was edged out 11-13, 12-10, 9-11, 10-12 by Egypt’s world No. 18 Sana Ibrahim.
After narrowly losing the opening set, Sivasangari bounced back with grit to level the match, taking the second set 12-10.
Sivasangari pushed her opponent to the limit, saving two match balls late in a nervy fourth set and refusing to bow out easily.
However, despite her best efforts, the 25-year-old could not turn the tide as Sana held her nerve to secure the win.
It was Sivasangari’s first defeat in six meetings against the Egyptian.
With Sivasangari’s exit, Malaysia’s campaign in the US Open came to an end as Rachel Arnold and Aifa Azman were knocked out in the opening round by Fayrouz Aboelkheir and Hania El Hammamy respectively.
Despite the defeat, national coaching director Andrew Cross lauded Sivasangari’s achievement.
"Reaching world No. 6 is a fantastic achievement," said Andrew.
Sivasangari’s rise to the top ranks of world squash has been nothing short of remarkable.
She achieved the feat following her silver-medal finish at the Silicon Valley Open in Redwood City, California last.
