Sivasangari advances to q-finals of world meet

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s top squash player S. Sivasangari (pic) produced a commanding display to book her place in the quarter-finals of the World Championships in Cairo, Egypt.

The fifth seed was in complete control against Belgium’s Tinne Gilis, sealing a 38-minute 11-5, 13-11, 11-3 victory in the last 16.

It was her third straight win over Gilis and a performance that matched her career-best run at the world meet.

Sivasangari had already impressed in the second round, defeating compatriot Aira Azman 11-4, 11-9, 12-10 to set up her deep run in Cairo.

Sivasangari became the first Malaysian woman player since Datuk Nicol David in 2017 to enter the last eight of the world meet last year but she went down to home favourite Olivia Weaver in Chicago.

The world No. 5 will now face her toughest test yet, likely against top seed and world No. 1 Hania El Hammamy, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.

“I fought for every point. I know I’m stronger and fitter now,” said Sivasangari.

“I just kept pushing and I’m happy to win in three games,” she added.

Meanwhile, Malaysia’s challenge in the men’s event ended when Ng Eain Yow bowed out in the second round after a 4-11, 12-14, 6-11 defeat to Egypt’s Mohd Abouelghar.