Sivasangari and Andrea vow to get their game right

SEPANG: S. Sivasangari and Andrea Lee have promised to bounce back strongly from Malaysia’s final defeat in the girls’ team event at the World Junior Squash Championships.

The two 18-year-olds were unable to deliver as Malaysia lost 2-0 to Egypt in the final in Tauranga, New Zealand, on Saturday. Malaysia were also runners-up in 2001 and 2007.

Sivasangari, Andrea, Aifa Zaman and Zoe Foo returned home to a warm welcome at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) yesterday.

All four will be involved in the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games from Aug 19-30.

“I do have some regrets because I felt that I could have done better in the final. But I must admit I learned a lot in these championships,” said Andrea, who lost in four sets to individual champion Rowan Reda.

“It’s the last world juniors for me. Now, I look forward to the days with the senior team and the Games,” she added.

Sivasangari, who lost in four sets to Hania El Hammamy, believes the experience will make her a better player in the future.

“I don’t think I’m too far behind the Egyptians. I need to work on a few things and hopefully I’ll be back winning matches against them.

“Now my focus is to do well in the SEA Games and then the Professional Squash Association (PSA) Tour,” she said.

Sivasangari, the world No. 59, is down to compete in two events at the Games.

She will lead the singles charge with Rachel Arnold. In the mixed doubles, Sivasangari will partner Sanjay Singh Chal.

As for Andrea, she will play in the mixed doubles with Ryan Pasqual as well as the team event.

Aifa also has two events – partnering Rachel in the women’s doubles and the team competition. Zoe is only playing in the team competition.