Sivasangari out of PSA Finals semi-final race after second defeat
KUALA LUMPUR: S. Sivasangari's hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the PSA Squash Tour Finals are over after suffering a second straight Group B defeat in Toronto on Tuesday.
The world No. 8 went down 10-11, 11-9, 11-7 in 40 minutes to Egypt's world No. 14 Fayrouz Aboelkheir - her first loss to the 19-year-old in three meetings.
It was another frustrating result for Sivasangari, who also lost her opening match on Monday to American world No. 4 Olivia Weaver 11-9, 11-9.
With two defeats, Sivasangari is now out of contention for the last four of the season-ending event.
She will, however, look to end her debut campaign on a high when she faces Japan's world No. 7 Satomi Watanabe in her final group match on Wednesday.
Weaver sealed her place in the semi-finals after beating Satomi 3-11, 11-6, 11-6.
National coach Ajaz Azmat believes Sivasangari was unfortunate not to secure a win over Aboelkheir.
"She played well but missed a few crucial points," said Ajaz.
"In the third game, she was up 4-1 but couldn't maintain her momentum due to unforced errors.
"Still, I hope she can finish strong and pick up a win in her last match."
Aboelkheir said: "Sivasangari is very dangerous, especially in a best-of-three format.
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