S. Sivasangari
PETALING JAYA: Talent has never been the issue for national squash player S. Sivasangari.
It is consistency that stands between her and breaking into the world’s top five.
Sivasangari, who recently achieved her career high world No. 6, has been in fine form this season, but she knows that maintaining her level throughout tournaments will be the key to pushing further up the global rankings.
"I think it’s mainly about being more consistent in my squash and also improving the mental side of my game," said the 26-year-old Sivasangari in an interview with Professional Squash Association (PSA).
"In terms of skills, I believe I have the game to beat some of the top girls and to be among the best, but what separates them from me is their consistency throughout the tournaments.
"The top players are much consistent than me and that’s one big thing that I’m trying to figure out and improve on right now."
With competition heating up on the women’s professional tour, Sivasangari admits that the close battle in the world rankings brings both excitement and pressure.
"The competitive competition makes it more interesting but it also adds a bit more pressure for all of us because the rankings are updated weekly and our points are so close," said the 2022 Asian Games gold medallist.
"You’re always checking where you stand, but it’s a good kind of rivalry.
"The rankings from six to 12 are very competitive but I personally think I can give them a challenge.
"I’ve beaten some of the top girls as well so I know I have the game to compete with them.
"And even experience also plays a huge part in this.
"I just have to be more consistent and learn from some of the tough losses that I’ve had because I believe I have what it takes to challenge and hopefully beat the top players."
Sivasangari won the Cincinnati Gaynor Cup in February, claimed silver at the Grasshopper Cup in April and added another silver medal at the Silicon Valley Open earlier this month.
