KUALA LUMPUR: S. Sivasangari's inability to consistently secure victories over Egyptian players boils down to one factor: patience.
Despite her remarkable triumph over world No. 1 Nour El Sherbini and No. 2 Hania El Hammamy on her way to clinching the London Classic title in April, the world No. 10 has since struggled against Egyptian opponents.
In her last three tournaments, she has failed to beat an Egyptian player, failing even to win a single game against them.
On Monday, the Kedah-born Sivasangari suffered a 11-9, 11-8, 11-6 defeat in just 35 minutes against Nour in the second round of the British Open.
This loss followed her defeats at the El Gouna Open in April, where she was beaten in straight games by world No. 3 Nouran Gohar in the second round, and at the World Championships in Egypt, where she was defeated in the third round by Hania.
National coach Ajaz Azmat has advised Sivasangari to play a patient game during matches, especially when facing Egyptian opponents.
"Today (Tuesday), Nour appeared nervous and even stumbled twice during the opening two games. However, Sivasangari failed to apply enough pressure."
Azmat noted Sivasangari's agility on the court and her near opportunity to take a 2-0 lead when the score was tied at 9-9 in the opening two games.
However, Nour's composure allowed her to secure the crucial points.
Azmat suggested that Sivasangari should have exercised patience by engaging in long rallies, rather than rushing her plays.
Unfortunately, it was also the end of the road for compatriots Aira Azman and Rachel Arnold. World No. 37 Aira put up a valiant effort against Fayrouz Aboelkheir but ultimately fell short, losing 11-8, 7-11, 11-6, 6-11, 11-5 to the 16th-ranked Egyptian.
Meanwhile, unseeded Rachel surprised fifth seed Nour El Tayeb in the opening game, but she couldn't sustain her momentum and eventually succumbed to a 9-11, 11-9, 11-3, 11-3 defeat against the Egyptian.
Ng Eain Yow is the only Malaysian left in the British Open.
The world No 15 defeated No. 13 Aly Abou Eleinen of Egypt 4-11, 11-4, 11-7, 11-6 in 47 minutes to reach the third round.