Sangari thrives on hot and humid conditions to book final spot in Australian Open

Total control: S. Sivasangari in action against Belgium’s Nele Gilis during the semi-final match at the Australian Open. — PSA Squash Tour

PETALING JAYA: Hot and humid conditions in Brisbane are no challenge for national squash player S. Sivasangari.

The top seed stormed into the final of the Gold-level Australian Open after defeating fourth seed Nele Gilis of Belgium 11-8, 13-11, 11-4 in 50 minutes at the South Bank Piazza yesterday.

The humid atmosphere at the venue was not a problem for the Kedah-born Sivasangari, who entered her second final of the year after the Karachi Open in January.

“It’s one of the best venues I’ve played at, but it is a bit humid,” said the 27-year-old.

“But I still love playing here. It’s tough conditions, but I was born and brought up in Malaysia, which also has hot conditions.

“It’s hot, but I won’t complain, just happy to make it to the finals.”

It was Sivasangari’s third win against Gilis in eight meetings, with Sivasangari winning their recent match at the Windy City Open last month.

“I’m pleased to have won the match in three games. She (Gilis) is a fighter and she came back strong in the second game when she was down, but I’m glad I fought hard to win it.

“I lost in the quarters last year so to be making the final this year is amazing,” said the world No. 6.

Last year in Brisbane, Sivasangari’s run was halted in the quarter-finals by Egyptian Rowan Elaraby, who won in five games.

Sivasangari will face either Gilis’ younger sister, Tinne, or American Marina Stefanoni in the final today, with hopes to end her title drought since winning the Cincinnati Gaynor Cup in February last year.

Sivasangari will face Marina Stefanoni in the final today after the American defeated Gilis’ younger sister Tinne 11-8, 4-11, 11-3, 11-8 in the other semi-final match.