Sivasangari's semi-final hopes dashed by Weaver at World Championships
KUALA LUMPUR: S. Sivasangari came up short in her bid to reach the semi-finals of the World Championships in Chicago on Thursday.
The world No. 9, who stunned world No. 8 Amanda Sobhy of the United States in the third round on Wednesday, lost 11-3, 8-11, 11-4, 11-5 to American world No. 4 Olivia Weaver in 41 minutes.
It was the 25-year-old Malaysian's sixth defeat in seven meetings with the 34-year-old Weaver.
Many had tipped Sivasangari to overcome Weaver and become the first Malaysian to reach the semi-finals since Datuk Nicol David won the title in 2014.
Confidence was high after she beat Weaver in their last encounter at the Cincinnati Cup semi-finals.
But Sivasangari couldn't find the consistency or firepower needed to get past the experienced American this time.
National coach Ajaz Azmat praised the Kedah-born player for achieving her goal of reaching the quarter-finals for the first time.
"It was unfortunate she couldn't reach the semis," said Ajaz.
"She didn't have a good start in the first game and couldn't build momentum.
"She fought hard to take the second, but it was difficult for her to maintain consistency in the remaining games.
"Sivasangari needs to continue working hard and focus on improving her consistency.
"She's making good progress under former world champion Gregory Gaultier in Prague, and we expect her to put up a stronger challenge at the British Open in Birmingham on May 31-June 8."
Weaver, meanwhile, admitted she had to make tactical changes after her previous defeat to Sivasangari.
"There's always something unexpected in matches like these, but we prepared really well," said Weaver.
"Sivasangari has been playing incredibly well. She beat me last time in Cincinnati and has been in great form.
"I was pleased with the adjustments I made. She's incredibly skilful - you have to avoid the middle of the court to beat her, and I managed to do that. I'm pleased with the win," she told PSA Squash Tour.
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