logo
Sivasangari Powers Into World Championship Quarter-Finals

Sivasangari Powers Into World Championship Quarter-Finals

Barnama14-05-2025

KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 (Bernama) -- National women's squash ace S. Sivasangari lived up to expectations by cruising into the quarter-finals of the 2024-2025 World Championship in Chicago, the United States.
The seventh seed took just 34 minutes to overcome American Amanda Sobhy 3-0 (11-8, 14-12, 11-6) in their third-round clash at the University Club of Chicago early this morning.
Sivasangari is scheduled to face home favourite Olivia Weaver in the quarter-finals after the fourth seed ousted Egypt's Salma Hany 3-1 (11-7, 9-11, 11-7, 11-4) in 47 minutes.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Italy beat Moldova as troubled Spalletti era comes to an end
Italy beat Moldova as troubled Spalletti era comes to an end

The Sun

time3 hours ago

  • The Sun

Italy beat Moldova as troubled Spalletti era comes to an end

ITALY got off the mark in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with Monday's 2-0 win over Moldova, Luciano Spalletti's last game as Italy coach. Giacomo Raspadori and Andrea Cambiaso scored in each half for the Azzurri who sit third in Group I, trailing leaders Norway by nine points, and are at risk of missing a third straight World Cup. Only top spot in the group gives direct qualification for next year's finals in the USA, Canada and Mexico and even having played two games fewer than Norway, Italy's best chance looks to the be finishing second and reaching the play-offs. However Italy were denied a place at the last two World Cups after being beaten in the play-offs and are in the midst of an identity crisis following their disastrous title defeat at last year's European Championship. Spalletti, who presided over a dismal last-16 exit at the Euros, coached Italy on Monday having already been told that he was to be sacked after the 3-0 thumping dished out by Norway in their opening qualifier on Friday. 'When you're the national team coach you have no excuses, it's you who selects the squad,' said Spallett to public broadcaster Rai. 'It's the coach who has to make the difference and unfortunately I wasn't able to do that.' Spallettti goes out after another uninspiring match played in a flat atmosphere in Reggio Emilia, where Italy got the three points needed but did little to inspire confidence in the future whoever replaces Spalletti. Claudio Ranieri is widely reported as being the Italian Football Federation's preferred candidate to replace Spalletti and guide Italy towards the World Cup, even though he retired from coaching after performing a near miracle with Roma this past season. Ranieri is 73 years old and working as a consultant for the American owners of his boyhood team Roma who he dragged from near Serie A's relegation zone to fifth place. But that hasn't stopped a media campaign practically begging the man nicknamed 'Sir' to come out of retirement for the second time to take control of a national team at possibly its lowest ebb.

Herry's different approach as coach bearing fruit for men's doubles
Herry's different approach as coach bearing fruit for men's doubles

The Star

time3 hours ago

  • The Star

Herry's different approach as coach bearing fruit for men's doubles

That's the way: Herry Iman Pierngadi (second from left) hugging Man Wei Chong after he and Tee Kai Wun (right) beat Japan's Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi in the Malaysian Masters semi-finals last month. PETALING JAYA: A coach can change a game, a great coach can change a life. It is a famous saying by American basketball trainer John Wooden and one that is greatly followed by national doubles coach Herry Iman Pierngadi. In fact, the 62-year-old Herry displays Wooden's slogan instead of his photo on his WhatsApp's profile. With such a profound belief in his calling as a coach, no wonder Herry has been able to transform the image of the Malaysian men's doubles department in just six months. From a washout at the All-England in March, the men's doubles under the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) have now contributed five titles in the first half of the year through former world champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun. Aaron lifted the Asian championships, Thailand Open and Singapore Open titles while Wei Chong-Kai Wun bagged the Malaysian Masters and entered the Indonesian Open final under the guidance of Herry since early February. It was such a turnaround especially after men's doubles wilted at the All-England in March when none made it past the first round. Wei Chong-Kai Wun also won the Indonesian Masters this year and reached the semi-finals of the Malaysian Open but that was before the arrival of Herry. 'The role of coach is more than just coaching,' said Herry, who has a four-year contract with BAM. 'It's about making a difference in the life of the players. I want them to be successful on and off the court. 'It's about trusting each other – the players and coach; also having a good communication, and being like a father to these players,' said Herry. Herry's calm manner and years of experience as Indonesia's long-serving doubles coach for almost three decades is rubbing off on the Malaysians, and the challenge now is to keep the momentum going in the second half of the year. 'It's a joy for a coach to see his players doing well. I'm so happy to see Man-Tee reaching the final of the Indonesian Open. Earlier, Aaron-Wooi Yik stayed solid for three weeks in a row,' said Herry. 'I think, the greater sense of accomplishment is seeing the change in the players' mindset ... they are now playing with more confidence,' he added. With a strong showing so far, naturally all eyes will be at the World Championships in Paris in August. Since Aaron-Wooi Yik ended the country's wait by winning the world title for the first time at the 2022 edition in Japan, Malaysia's men's doubles campaign has been rather quiet and it's time to make some noise again. In leading to the worlds, Herry's boys will firstly be out make their marks at the back-to-back Japan Open from July 15-20 and China Open from July 22-27. Last year, professional shuttlers Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani captured both the men's doubles title in Japan and China.

Cklamovski and his charges shut out external distractions to deliver on the field
Cklamovski and his charges shut out external distractions to deliver on the field

The Star

time3 hours ago

  • The Star

Cklamovski and his charges shut out external distractions to deliver on the field

Set for the big night: The Malaysian football team warming up at a training session ahead of their 2027 Asian Cup third round qualifier against Vietnam at the National Stadium today. — Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: There are negative vibes outside the walls of the national team camp but inside, head coach Peter Cklamovski is instilling positivity. As Malaysia gear up for their pivotal clash against Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifiers at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil today, the Australian coach sent out a strong message – they will continue to focus on rebuilding. He said the outside noise in regards to the mixed-heritage call-up and eligibility issues won't derail what is being built from within, which is unity and an ambition that is tied deeply to a long-term vision. 'All these don't distract us internally. We've had a good preparation and we're ready to come out at the stadium and do the country proud,' said Cklamovski. 'We've got new players from abroad - Malaysians who are proud every time they wear the jersey and train. ''We're building a family atmosphere, and we'll show that tomorrow night.' While critics and pundits have been fixated on naturalised players and perceived divides, Cklamovski insists the squad are only focused on progression, unity, and delivering for the fans, especially with the strategic backing of Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim. Coach Peter Cklamovski and captain Matthew Davies at a press conference. — Bernama 'This isn't about one game, it's about changing mindsets and rewriting Malaysia's football story,' said Cklamovski. 'We are building a long-term legacy. And to do that, we need all Malaysians behind us.' Malaysia haven't beaten Vietnam since 2014, a record that Cklamovski is eager to put behind them. 'Instead of being fearful, we want to embrace the challenge. Create a new history. We're ready for Vietnam to play their best game, we want to be at our best every day.' Since the centralised camp began on May 11, Cklamovski and his team have worked through every layer of preparation, from physical conditioning to instilling tactical identity. 'Despite many players being in the off-season, they've shown great professionalism. Everything has gone to plan. 'Our style is built on principles and progression. We've rotated all 30 players to assess and build chemistry. Every one of them knows what is expected.' One of the standout additions has been Facundo Garces, a towering centreback who plays in Spain's La Liga and now dons the Malaysian colours. 'Facundo is a high-level player. He brings elite standards and a mentality of never wasting a second. Some players have sacrificed a lot to be here, and he's connected with the team so well. That rubs off on others.' Cklamovski urged fans to recognise the stakes and get behind the project being built with an eye not just on Vietnam, but the bigger picture.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store