Positive outlook
Sivasangari says Malaysia’s good for gold in women’s squash
BUKIT JALIL: National squash player S. Sivasangari may lack experience but it will not stop her from playing her part to maintain Malaysia’s dominance in the women’s events at the Indonesia Asian Games.
The Malaysian women have never failed to win the team event since it was introduced at the 2010 Guangzhou Games. Nicol David also reigned supreme in the women’s singles in the last two editions to underline Malaysia’s status as the numero uno in the sport in Asia.
National champion Sivasangari, who is competing in her first Asian Games, will be out to disappoint higher ranked players in both the singles and team events.
The World No. 40 is seeded joint fifth-eight while the 34-year-old Nicol is the top seed in the singles event.
Standing in Sivasangari and Nicol’s ways are world No. 11 Annie Au of Hong Kong and world No. 16 Joshna Chinappa of India.
For the team event, Sivasangari and Nicol will be joined by Low Wee Wern and Aifa Azman and the foursome will try to defend the team gold medal.
“I’m really excited and happy to get selected. This is my second major tournament this year, Commonwealth Games was my first,” said Sivasangari.
“It is a big opportunity to get through this Games and to be able to play in the individual event with Nicol. I’m sure she is in good shape and will give her best.”
“There is always pressure but I think I am going in as an underdog compared to a few senior players from other countries, so I just hope to get some exposure and create some upsets.”
The 19-year-old Sivasangari is also inspired by Wee Wern, who has been on fire since coming back in July from a knee injury that saw her sidelined for 20 months. Wee Wern went on to win the Malaysian, Tasmanian and Australian Opens in three consecutive weeks.
She said the return of Wee Wern has instilled the belief in Sivasangari that they can retain the team crown.
“We have a good team, Wee Wern is coming back from injury and she is so much better and fired up, and with me, Nicol and Aifa, we have got a good chance,” said Sivasangari.
“We just have to play our game and not put too much pressure on ourselves, and hopefully we can bring back the gold.”
There is extra determination in Sivasangari after her failure to defend the Malaysian Open title last month where she lost to Wee Wern in the semi-finals.
“I’m determined to come back stronger after the Malaysian Open defeat. I’ve been working on my tactics and mental strength in preparation for the Asian Games.”
We just have to play our game and not put too much pressure on ourselves, and hopefully we can bring back the gold. S. Sivasangari