PETALING JAYA: S. Sivasangari breezed into the Qatar Classic quarter-finals after dispatching Egypt’s Salma Hany in straight games on Sunday (Sept 13).
The world No. 5 needed just 26 minutes to beat world No. 13 Hany 12-10, 11-6, 11-5 at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha.
Sivasangari admitted the opening game was tricky as Hany fought back strongly before the Malaysian regained control.
“Salma is a dangerous player and she’s quite experienced in making comebacks. She’s done a few against me,” said Sivasangari.
“I was leading comfortably in the first game but lost focus a little. I’m glad I managed to get the lead and I’m happy to win in three.”
Sivasangari next faces world No. 9 Tinne Gilis of Belgium, against whom she has won three of their four previous meetings.
Gilis was taken to five games by India’s Anahat Singh, but Sivasangari is more concerned about her own game as she targets a place in the semi-finals.
“I know Gilis had a battle, but I just want to stay focused on how I can play my best squash and not think too much about my opponent,” she said.
Meanwhile, world No. 23 Aifa Azman reached the second round after upsetting world No. 14 Marina Stefanoni of the United States 11-9, 6-11, 11-7, 12-10.
Aifa now faces world No. 7 Fayrouz Aboelkheir of Egypt for a place in the quarter-finals.
Rachel Arnold also advanced after beating Egypt’s world No. 28 Zeina Mickawy 12-10, 11-9, 8-11, 11-8.
The world No. 25 now faces a stern test against eight-time world champion and world No. 3 Nour El Sherbini of Egypt in the second round.
In the men’s draw, world No. 18 Ng Eain Yow bowed out in the opening round after losing 6-11, 5-11, 11-3, 8-11 to Egypt’s world No. 11 Youssef Soliman.
