KUALA LUMPUR: S. Sivasangari's squash career has received a massive lift after breaking into the world's top 10 yesterday.
The Asian champion was ranked 11th last week but moved to a career best 10th after reaching the third round of the recent World Championships in Cairo, Egypt.
The Kedahan is the third Malaysian woman to make the world's top 10 after Nicol David, who was No. 1 for a record 108 months and Low Wee Wern, who was No. 5 in 2014.
Sivasangari's latest achievement is remarkable in view of her comeback from a serious car accident in June 2022.
"Breaking into the world's top 10 would be impossible without the support of my incredible team who have pushed me, encouraged me, and stayed by me through my highs and lows," she said.
"I'm more determined than ever to keep pushing and enjoy every step of the process."
Sivasangari's biggest challenge from now is to stay among the world's elites.
Wee Wern, 35, who is now coaching the Philippines national team, said Sivasangari will need to play consistently at a high level to stay in the top 10.
"Congrats to Sivasangari for her achievements. She must be consistent in her game to reach the quarter-finals at least in all the major events.
"That's the best way for her to stay in the top 10," said Wee Wern.
The 25-year-old Sivasangari, who won two gold at last year's Hangzhou Asian Games, is now all fired up for the US$195,000 British Open in Birmingham from June 2-9.
However, the Malaysian ace will have to run the Egyptian squash gauntlet again at the British Open after coming to grief against them in her last two tournaments.
Sivasangari lost to world No. 2 Hania El Hammamy in the third round of the recent world meet and last month she fell to world No. 3 Nouran Gohar in the El Gouna Open second round.
In the British Open, Sivasangari, who received a first round bye, will face Egypt's defending champion Nour El Sherbini in the second round.
The task looks daunting but Sivasangari had toppled Nour in the London Classic quarter-finals last month en route to the title.
National chief coach Ajaz Azmat said it was unfortunate that Sivasangari was drawn to face one of the world's best players as early as the second round.
"But I'm certain Sivasangari will bounce back to give her best in the British Open," said the Pakistani coach.
Incidentally, Sivasangari faltered in the second round of last year's British Open, losing to England's Sarah Jane Perry.
However, with the latest boost to her world ranking, Sivasangari looks capable of making a big impact at the British Open.