'She can reach world No. 1': Sivasangari backed to scale new heights

KUALA LUMPUR: S. Sivasangari is on the right track to challenge for a podium finish at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after climbing to a career-high No. 4 in the latest PSA world rankings released today.

Sivasangari, who retained her Asian Games title in Aichi-Nagoya last month to qualify for LA 2028, is only the second Malaysian woman to break into the world's top four after Datuk Nicol David, who spent 108 months at No. 1.

The 27-year-old has made tremendous progress since starting training under coach Gregory Gaultier in Prague last year.

She has recorded several memorable victories under Gaultier, including wins over world No. 1 Amina Orfi, world No. 2 Hania El Hammamy and world No. 3 Nour El Sherbini.

With 17 PSA Tour titles to her name, Sivasangari could climb further up the rankings if she maintains her current form.

She pushed Hania to five games in last week's Diamond-level Egyptian Open semi-finals, only to lose 12-10 in the decider.

However, the Malaysian must now take the next step by reaching the finals of higher-tier tournaments consistently if she is to make further breakthroughs.

Former Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) coaching director Major (rtd) S. Maniam said he was delighted with her progress.

"I am extremely happy and proud of Sivasangari's achievements.

"Her rise to world No. 4 is a tremendous milestone and a testament to her hard work, dedication and determination, especially after recovering from injuries following a near-fatal car accident a few years ago.

"To become only the second Malaysian woman, after Nicol David, to reach a career-high ranking of world No. 4 is something she and the entire nation can be proud of."

Maniam said Sivasangari had also developed more weapons, particularly in attack.

"She has always been good in defensive play, and now, she has matched that with her attacking prowess.

"I believe she has the potential to break into the world's top three and eventually challenge for the No. 1 ranking.

"The next step is to deliver consistent performances against the world's best.

"Reaching the top is, of course, difficult, but sustaining that level requires even greater consistency.

"She just needs to make the right decisions during crucial matches against top players."

Sivasangari, who won the Australian Open and Grasshopper Cup this year, will next compete in the Silicon Valley Open in Redwood City, United States, which begins tomorrow.

The Malaysian, who received a first-round bye, is the third seed.