KUALA LUMPUR: Squash player S. Sivasangari is set to break into the world's top 10 for the first time if she beats Egyptian Hania El Hammamy in the third round of the World Championships in Cairo later today.
On Monday, Sivasangari moved up two rungs to No.11 in the rankings, equalling her career-best she achieved on April 22.
The 25-year-old Malaysian will feel confident in Cairo today, considering she toppled world No. 3 Hania in the London Classic final last month.
National coach Ajaz Azmat believes Sivasangari will beat Hania again to reach the quarter-finals in Cairo and break into the top 10 for the first time.
"Judging by her performance in Cairo so far, Sivasangari is in good form to upset Hania again," said Ajaz.
Meanwhile, compatriot Rachel Arnold improved by a rung to No. 24, equalling her previous best ranking she achieved in November 2022.
Aira Azman was the biggest Malaysian mover, improving by three spots to achieve her career-best ranking of No. 37, two rungs above her sister, Aifa.
"Aira has made a solid transition from the junior circuit to the PSA Tour, and I believe she will make breakthroughs.
"I hope she will collect more ranking points at the Manchester Open next week," said Ajaz.
Aira was a second-round casualty at the World Championships, losing in the second round to England's world No. 6 Georgina Kennedy.
Meanwhile, Ng Eain Yow dropped a rung to No. 18 in the men's rankings.
The 26-year-old could still climb the rankings if he beats world No. 2 Paul Coll of New Zealand in Cairo today.