KUALA LUMPUR – National women’s squash player S. Sivasangari secured her first gold-event title at the London Classic when she caused an upset against Egypt’s Hania El Hammamy, who is ranked second in the world.
In a gripping final played in a best-of-five format, the 13th-ranked Sivasangari prevailed with a score of 3-2, winning 11-9, 5-11, 13-11, 12-14, 11-8 in a thrilling 81-minute encounter.
Hailing from Kedah, Sivasangari, who recently ascended three spots to achieve her career-high ranking of 13 in the PSA Tour world rankings, made history by becoming the first Malaysian women’s player to reach the tournament final since Datuk Nicol David in 2015.
Reflecting on her remarkable victory, Sivasangari spoke to PSA World Tour, expressing her pride in overcoming her long-standing rival and emerging victorious in the tournament.
“There are no words to summarise this moment, but I am extremely pleased with how I conducted myself this week, defeating top 10 players three times. They are all exceptionally talented players.
“Hania has been my rival since our junior days, and it was a close match. In the fifth set, I focused on maintaining composure as she fought back at every point. However, I am simply elated with my triumph in the tournament.
“This victory is monumental. The last time I participated in a gold event, I was eliminated in the quarter-finals, so reaching the final this time was an unbelievable feeling. I am proud of the journey that led me to win this tournament,” said the 25-year-old.
Sivasangari also extended her gratitude to her parents, US coach David Palmer, Malaysian coach Ajaz Azmat, as well as her sponsors for their unwavering support.
“Without my coaches David in the US and Ajaz in Malaysia, as well as Jesse Engelbrecht, my mental trainer, strength coach, and sponsors, I wouldn’t have reached this point.
“I am also grateful to my family and coaches David and Ajaz, whose guidance has been instrumental in my success.
“Thanks to them, I am achieving victories in tournaments. So, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to them.
“Given the challenges I faced in recent years, I am genuinely content with my achievements,” she remarked immediately after clinching the title.
At the London Classic, Sivasangari defeated not just one but three players from the top 10, including Hania, en route to lifting the coveted trophy.
Her journey included a stunning performance in the quarter-finals, where she ousted top-ranked Nour El Sherbini of Egypt, followed by a victory over fourth-ranked Nele Gilis of Belgium in the semi-finals. – April 2, 2024