Sangari finds Hania too hot to handle again, but q-final finish in Hong Kong a positive

Can’t walk like this Egyptian: Sivasangari suffered her seventh loss to Hania El Hammamy (right) in nine meetings.

PETALING JAYA: National squash player S. Sivasangari closed out her year with a quarter-final finish in the Hong Kong Open.

World No. 6 Sivasangari’s hopes of causing an upset over Egypt’s world No. 2 Hania El Hammamy were dashed after she went down 4-11, 9-11, 4-11 at the Hong Kong Squash Centre yesterday.

It was the 26-year-old’s seventh defeat to Hania in nine meetings.

Despite the defeat, it was still an improved outing for Sivasangari after she exited the tournament in the second round last year.

The Kedahan has now closed her chapter for this year and will next take a well deserved break before returning for the Karachi Open from Jan 6-11 in Pakistan.

Squash Racquest Association of Malaysia (SRAM) coaching director Andrew Cross is satisfied with Sivasangari’s overall progress this year.

“I think on the whole, 2025 has been a positive year from her. I have seen lots of progress from her,” said Cross.

Sivasangari lifted the Cincinnati Gaynor Cup in the United States in February and reached a career high No. 6 in the world.

She also finished second in the Silicon Valley Open in October and Hong Kong Football Club Open last week.

Sivasangari will be out to continue her encouraging form next year.