Nicol's words fire up Sivasangari to finish strong

S. Sivasangari in action during the Asian Games, and Datuk Nicol David (inset) is in the audience. - NSC

PETALING JAYA: Sometimes, a few words of encouragement from a legend are all a player needs before stepping onto court.

S. Sivasangari received just that from Malaysian squash great Datuk Nicol Ann David, who was at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games to support the national team and also took time to meet her before yesterday’s semi-final.

Sivasangari admitted the former Asian Games champion Nicol’s presence gave her extra motivation, and she went on to beat Hong Kong’s Chan Sin Yuk 11-6, 11-8, 11-7 at the Nagoya Kinjo Futo Arena to book her place in the final.

"That’s definitely very motivational. At my first Asian Games in Jakarta, I played her in the final.

"I still remember that moment. It was very memorable for me.

"So I think it has come full circle. Now she’s watching me play at my third Asian Games.

"I’m happy to have her here and happy for her to see how Malaysian squash players have progressed," said Sivasangari.

The 27-year-old will now turn her attention to today’s final against India’s Anahat Singh, where victory will not only see her retain the gold medal but also qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

Sivasangari has beaten the world No. 17 twice, first at the British Open last year and most recently at the London Squash Classic three weeks ago.

She knows, however, that another victory will not come easily.

"I have one more match to go. Like I’ve said from the beginning, I’m taking it match by match.

"I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself thinking about the gold medal or the Olympic ticket. I just want to stay focused on what I need to do on court.

"Of course, those things will be in the back of my mind, but I’ll try to put them aside, relax and refocus for the final," she added.

Ng Eain Yow will also be looking to retain his gold medal and secure a place at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics in the men’s event.

Eain Yow will face India’s world No. 26 Abhay Singh today after comfortably beating Pakistan’s Noor Zaman 11-7, 11-2, 11-4 in yesterday’s semi-final.

On paper, Eain Yow will head into the final with plenty of confidence, having beaten Abhay in all four of their previous meetings.

Their last encounter, however, came two years ago at the 2024 Malaysia Squash Cup in Kuala Lumpur.