Sangari fails to free herself from Black Widow’s web

PETALING JAYA: S. Sivasangari was determined to continue her passage in the World Championships but couldn’t break free from the web woven by Nour ‘Black Widow’ El Tayeb of Egypt.

True to her nickname, El Tayeb clad in black attire, did not allow Sivasangari to dictate terms and took advantage of playing in front of her fans in Cairo to secure a 11-5, 4-11, 11-5, 13-11 win in the quarter-finals.

Sivasangari had been fired up by her recent form but El Tayeb’s experience was the deciding factor as the former world No. 3 proved she was still a major force despite having returned to competition just five months ago after giving birth to her baby girl.

National head coach Ajaz Azmat had stated before that the only chance of a win was to keep El Tayeb long on court but the contest ended in just 42 minutes.

“El Tayeb’s experience was one of the keys but she was also playing very well. Sangari took the second game and had the chance in the fourth but she was playing with a formidable opponent who was on a brilliant comeback trail,” said Ajaz.

“Sangari can learn from El Tayeb on how to play the big points and to handle pressure in major events.

She needs to have a strong mindset in these situations.

“We also need to work on Sangari’s attacking game in order to challenge the top girls.”

El Tayeb will play compatriot Hania El Hammamy in the quarter-finals today. El Tayeb’s husband Ali Farag, the world No. 2, has the chance to reach the semi-finals if he overcomes compatriot Marwan El Shorbagy in the last eight.