Sivasangari marches into 3rd round of squash's US Open

BALANCING studies and sports is always a tough act for many athletes.

But national No. 3 S. Sivasangari appeared to have found the perfect mix after putting up a sensational performance to storm into the third round of squash’s US Open in Philadephia.

The 20-year-old, who is studying at Cornell University, played her finest this year when she scalped world No. 13 Alison Waters 11-5, 4-11, 11-7, 11-9 at Drexel University on Sunday.

It is the perfect response from the Kedahan who fell short of her high standards at the National Championships in July, losing to Rachel Arnold in the semi-finals.

It is also the World No. 48’s biggest upset since she defeated world No. 10 Annie Au of Hong Kong and World No. 12 Joshna Chinappa of India at the Asian Games last year.

Sivasangari, who is playing in only her fourth Professional Squash Association (PSA) Tour event due to study commitments, is certainly chuffed with the result.

“I’m really happy with this win! I feel like my hard work is paying off after working really hard with my coach David (Palmer) here in Cornell,” said Sivasangari.

“And since I’m not playing much on the PSA Tour now, it means a lot to get two wins in a World Series event.

“To be honest, my first round match against World No. 37 Coline (Aumard) was the one that I really wanted to win badly.

“Against Alison, I just wanted to get out there and give my best squash without putting too much pressure on myself.

“I’ve never played Alison before and I was just focused on winning the points I could. But I was definitely much more confident with the way I was playing after taking the first game.”

Sivasangari, who will feature in a PSA World Series last 16 match for the first time, played World No. 7 Sarah-Jane Perry of England in a late match yesterday.

Meanwhile, it was the end of the road for national No. 1 Low Wee Wern who fell to a tame 5-11, 7-11, 2-11 defeat to World No. 15 Salma Hany of Egypt.

“My knee was just too sore after my brutal first round match. Now I’ll fly home to get some treatment before the Women’s World Championship later this month,” said Wee Wern.