Rachel stuns world No. 10, faces compatriot Sivasangari next

KUALA LUMPUR: World No. 22 Rachel Arnold stunned world No. 10 Amanda Sobhy of the United States to reach the quarter-finals of the Silicon Valley Open in Redwood City on Wednesday.

Rachel produced an impressive performance to win their second-round clash 11-9, 8-11, 13-11, 11-13, 11-8 in 52 minutes.

It was the 30-year-old's first win over 33-year-old Sobhy in four meetings.

Rachel will face compatriot and world No. 4 S. Sivasangari in the quarter-finals later today.

Sivasangari, who received a first-round bye, defeated world No. 21 Aifa Azman 6-11, 11-2, 9-11, 11-3, 11-7 in 44 minutes.

It was Sivasangari's seventh win over Aifa.

The 27-year-old, who retained her Asian Games title in Japan last month, holds a 5-2 head-to-head record against Rachel.

Rachel's last win over Sivasangari came 11 years ago at the Malaysia Tour Squash competition.

"I am really happy that I beat Amanda after losing to her on several occasions," said Rachel.

"I believe I will give Sivasangari a good match. We have not faced each other for a long time."

Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia coaching director Andrew Cross hailed Rachel's victory over Sobhy as fantastic.

"She started the season so strongly. It was a good match between Sivasangari and Aifa as well," said Cross.