Sivasangari loses to Olivia Weaver in PSA Finals opener
NATIONAL squash player S. Sivasangari suffered a straight-game defeat to second seed Olivia Weaver of the United States in her opening match of the 2024/2025 PSA Squash Tour Finals. The 26-year-old Malaysian fought hard but ultimately lost 9-11, 9-11 in a 32-minute Group B clash at Toronto's Revival Film Studio.
Weaver, the world number four, showcased her dominance, leaving Sivasangari searching for answers. Despite the loss, the Kedah-born athlete remains determined as she prepares to face Egypt's Fayrouz Aboelkheir in her next group-stage encounter.
In another Group B match, Japan's Satomi Watanabe narrowly defeated Aboelkheir 11-7, 9-11, 13-11 in a thrilling 51-minute battle. Sivasangari now faces an uphill task in a group that also includes Watanabe and world number 14 Aboelkheir.
Only the top two players from each group will progress to the semi-finals, adding pressure to Sivasangari's upcoming matches.
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New Straits Times
5 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Sivasangari falls to Weaver again in PSA Finals opener
KUALA LUMPUR: It was not the dream start S. Sivasangari had hoped for on her PSA Squash Tour Finals debut in Toronto on Monday. The world No. 8 gave a good account of herself but eventually went down 11-9, 11-9 to American world No. 4 Olivia Weaver in a Group B match. It was Sivasangari's seventh defeat to Weaver in eight meetings. National coach Ajaz Azmat said poor starts in both games cost the Malaysian dearly against the second seed. "She was trailing 6-2 in both games before she fought back, but lost out during the crucial points," said Ajaz. Sivasangari will face world No. 14 Fayrouz Aboelkheir in her second group match on Tuesday - a must-win clash for both players to keep their semi-final hopes alive. World No. 7 Satomi Watanabe of Japan was pushed all the way by Fayrouz before prevailing 11-7, 9-11, 13-11 in a 51-minute battle. "Sivasangari needs a good start against Fayrouz," added Ajaz. "It's a crucial match for both players and she must win to stay in contention. "Fayrouz will be another strong challenge." However, Sivasangari could hold the upper hand, having beaten the Egyptian twice last year at the Singapore Open and Hong Kong Open. In Group A, world No. 1 Nouran Gohar defeated American No. 9 Amanda Sobhy 11-6, 10-12, 11-6, while England's world No. 10 Georgina Kennedy upset world No. 6 Tinne Gilis of Belgium 11-10, 6-11, 11-3.
The Sun
6 hours ago
- The Sun
Sivasangari loses to Olivia Weaver in PSA Finals opener
NATIONAL squash player S. Sivasangari suffered a straight-game defeat to second seed Olivia Weaver of the United States in her opening match of the 2024/2025 PSA Squash Tour Finals. The 26-year-old Malaysian fought hard but ultimately lost 9-11, 9-11 in a 32-minute Group B clash at Toronto's Revival Film Studio. Weaver, the world number four, showcased her dominance, leaving Sivasangari searching for answers. Despite the loss, the Kedah-born athlete remains determined as she prepares to face Egypt's Fayrouz Aboelkheir in her next group-stage encounter. In another Group B match, Japan's Satomi Watanabe narrowly defeated Aboelkheir 11-7, 9-11, 13-11 in a thrilling 51-minute battle. Sivasangari now faces an uphill task in a group that also includes Watanabe and world number 14 Aboelkheir. Only the top two players from each group will progress to the semi-finals, adding pressure to Sivasangari's upcoming matches.
The Sun
6 hours ago
- The Sun
Bryan Gustin wins bronze at 2025 World Cup powerlifting in Beijing
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