You’re not taking my gold, Rachel tells Sivasangari

NATIONAL squash player

Rachel Arnold has this message for teammate S. Sivasangari: “I won’t give up my SEA Games squash singles gold without a fight”.

The 21yearold Rachel, who bagged the gold at Singapore 2015, was in fine form as she thumped Singaporean youngster Sneha Sivakumar 116, 115, 116 in the semifinals at the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil yesterday.

And the world No. 52 has promised that she won’t let Sivasangari have it easy in today’s final.

Top seed Sivasangari did her part to keep the allMalaysian final a reality when she found her form to beat Filipina Jemyca Aribado 112, 115, 119.

“I definitely want to defend my title, especially since I’ll be up against Sivasangari,” said Rachel.

“She beat me the last time we met, so I’m expecting another tough battle with her.

“It’s amazing to have a big crowd here at the courts.

“I’m hoping to improve on my performance and do better in the final.”

Sivasangari also said that it would be tough against Rachel.

“It’s not going to be easy. I train and travel together with Rachel. We know each other’s game well,” said Sivasangari, who was glad she finally found her rhythm against Jemyca.

“I started well against Jemyca and played with confidence and at a fast pace.

“But I took my foot off the pedal a little in the third set and that allowed her to pick her shots and make a comeback.

“I then went back to basics and played longer rallies to see her off.”

In men’s event, second seed Mohd Syafiq Kamal, 20, overcame Singapore’s Samuel Kang 1210, 116, 311, 111 to set up a title showdown against close friend and doubles partner Ng Eain Yow.