PETALING JAYA – Malaysia’s top squash player has narrowly missed out on the season-ending crown. Specifically, national ace S. Sivasangari finished as the runner-up at the prestigious PSA Squash Tour Finals on Saturday. The world number five put up a grand fight in her maiden final appearance. However, she could not stop world number one Hania El Hammamy of Egypt from taking the title. The intense match took place at the Centquatre-Paris venue in France.
Elite Title Fight in the PSA Squash Tour Finals
The high-stakes final lasted for 54 grueling minutes. For instance, the fourth-seeded Malaysian dropped the opening game 6-11 to her Egyptian opponent. Yet, Sivasangari fought back with immense grit. She took the second game 11-10 to level the score. Despite her best efforts, El Hammamy regained full control. The world number one won the next two games 11-8, 11-8 to seal the match. Therefore, Sivasangari had to settle for second best.
Furthermore, this second-place finish still marks a huge achievement for Malaysian squash. Sivasangari is the first Malaysian woman to reach this final in 14 years. Squash icon Datuk Nicol David last made the final back in 2012. Reaching the title-decider caps off a brilliant season for the 27-year-old Kedah native. Earlier this year, she captured the crown at the Grasshopper Cup in Switzerland. She has clearly proven she belongs among the world’s absolute best.
High Praise Despite Defeat in the PSA Squash Tour Finals
The Malaysian camp took many positive lessons from the elite tournament. Sivasangari reached the final after staging the event’s biggest upset. She beat world number two Amina Orfi in a 74-minute semi-final thriller. Her coach praised her great form and sharp physical fitness throughout the week. Her training under former world champion Gregory Gaultier in Prague has paid off well.
Meanwhile, local fans are heavily celebrating her historic run. Sivasangari showed great class against the top players in the world. She will now take a short break before preparing for her next international events. Her strong display in Paris secures her status as a major threat on the global tour. Everyone is eager to see her lift more trophies in the future. She leaves the PSA Squash Tour Finals with her head held high.
