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.
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