KUALA LUMPUR — National women’s squash player S. Sivasangari displayed an energetic performance to win the 2023 Tuanku Muhriz Trophy at the Tan Sri Dato’ Haji Mohd Said Sports Complex Squash Center in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan today.
The top seed of the tournament managed to defeat reigning champion Aira Azman in the final with a result of 11-8, 11-8, 11-9, securing her first championship title of the year.
“I’m happy to be back on the court again. It’s even sweeter that I managed to win this tournament, and I hope to continue the momentum,” she said.
This victory comes as a boost for Sivasangari, as she was unable to participate in last year’s tournament due to her six-month recovery from a road accident.
The accident had a significant impact on her ranking, dropping her from the world number 16 position which she previously held.
When interviewed after the match, the Kedahan expressed her happiness at winning her first title of the season.
“I’m grateful to be able to play squash again because after the accident last year, there were doubts about whether I could still play or not.
“So, I’m very happy, and I just want to enjoy this competition. Winning or losing is one thing, but being able to return to action and win makes it even more special,” she added.
Looking ahead to the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China in September, the 25-year-old player described this victory as a positive impact for her, especially since she only has two tournaments before the Games.
Sivasangari stated that she has set high goals for the Asian Games and winning the Tuanku Muhriz Trophy has boosted her confidence.
“Being the top seed, I admit to feeling pressured, mainly after losing in the final of the Asian Championship in June.
“However, returning to the United States and undergoing training have helped boost my confidence a lot,” she said.
Sivasangari will participate in the QTerminals Qatar Classic before flying to Hangzhou for the Asian Games.
In the men’s final, the eighth seed Aly Hussein from Egypt surprised second seed Muhammad Asim Khan from Pakistan with a straight-set victory of 11-3, 11-1, 11-4.
The championship trophy was presented by the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir, witnessed by the Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh. — August 27, 2023