KUALA LUMPUR: Asian champion S. Sivasangari is eager to win her second PSA Tour crown this year at the US$64,000 Ace Malaysia Cup after recovering from an injury near her left eye.
The 25-year-old began training on Friday after having three stitches removed.
She sustained the injury when struck by the ball in during the China Open semi-final against Egypt's Farida Mohamed in Shanghai on Nov 2.
The world No. 9 confirmed that the stitches have been removed and that she will not be wearing eye protection during the Malaysia Cup, which begins on Nov 12 at the Curve Mall in Selangor.
"The Glass Court at the Curve is a fantastic venue. I'm looking forward to seeing familiar faces there," said Sivasangari, who also reached the semi-finals in the Silicon Valley Open in California last month.
When asked about playing in front of a home crowd, she said: "Playing at home is always special. We'd all love to do it more often. Once on the court, though, our focus is strictly on the game."
Sivasangari, who will get her first look at the Glass Court today, has yet to reach a PSA Tour final since winning the London Classic in April.
With a favourable draw, the top seed is expected to progress to the final, where her main competition will be world No. 10 and second seed Amina Orfi of Egypt.
National chief coach Ajaz Azmat said Sivasangari is in high spirits and eager to compete after the injury in Shanghai.
"She started training on Friday and is focusing on taking it one match at a time," said Ajaz.