London flashback fuels Sivasangari’s Aussie Open triumph

Taking charge: S. Sivasangari in action against American Marina Stefanoni during the Asutralian Open final match. — PSA Squash Tour

PETALING JAYA: Memories of her great fightback at the London Classic came flooding back for S. Sivasangari during the final of the Australian Open.

And it pushed her further as she powered her way to the title yesterday in sheer poise and style.

World No. 6 Sivasangari put on a dominant performance to clinch her first title of the year in just 28 minutes, beating seventh seed Marina Stefanoni of the United States 11-7, 11-4, 11-8 at the South Bank Piazza in Brisbane yesterday.

It was Sivasangari’s second gold-level win after winning the London Classic in 2024, and Stefanoni’s giant-slaying run had evoked memories of her own journey when she fought her way up to win her first gold title.

“Marina had a really good run and it reminded me of London,” said Sivasangari.

“I had upset all the top girls and won, and I felt Marina was doing the same thing this week, upsetting all the players.

“She’s a great fighter and a strong player, I think we have seen that throughout the week,” said Sivasangari.

Stefanoni, 23, had taken down third seed Egyptian Salma Hany in the quarter-finals, before handing an upset to second seed Tinne Gilis of Belgium in the semis.

Stefanoni had managed to build her way into the opening game after a slow start against Sivasangari, but the Kedah-born remained composed as she did not allow any space in the following games.

Sivasangri, whose last title came at the Cincinnati Gaynor Cup in February last year, was happy to live up to her top billing.

“I came in as the No. 1 seed. It’s rare to happen in a Gold event, and I know that comes with a bit more pressure as well,” said the 27-year-old.

“I just tried my best to stay composed and enjoyed the week. I wasn’t overthinking anything else.

“I kept the focus on myself and stayed in the moment, played my game plan, and am happy to be winning in three (sets).”

Sivasangari’s next outing will see her compete in another gold-event at the Grasshopper Cup in Zurich, starting on April 21.