Sivasangari leads Malaysia into Asian Games squash quarterfinals with title defence on track

National squash player S. Sivasangari in action against Sri Lanka's Chanithma Sinaly in the women's singles Round of 16 at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games at Nagoya Kinjo Futo Arena today. — Bernama pic

First Published: Thursday, 24 Sep 2026 6:35 PM MYT

NAGOYA, Sept 24 — The country’s number one women squash player S. Sivasangari spearheaded the national women’s squash team into the singles quarterfinals after beginning her gold medal defence with a convincing victory at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games in Japan, today.

The world number five had no trouble defeating Sri Lanka’s Chanithma Sinaly, 11-3, 11-5, 11-3 in the second round at the Nagoya Kinjo Futo Arena.

Sivasangari, who received a bye in the first round, said the victory gave her a positive start after taking some time to adapt to the court and competition atmosphere.

“I am happy with the way I started. I am still trying to get used to the court and adapt to the surroundings, so everything has been going well so far.

“But tomorrow is a different day and match. All the players in the top eight have high Professional Squash Association (PSA) rankings, and the majority are in the world’s top 50,” she said.

Sivasangari, 26, making her second Asian Games appearance, will face Hong Kong’s Ho Tze Lok, ranked 39th in the world, in tomorrow’s quarterfinal match.

Meanwhile, Aira Azman also secured a spot in the quarterfinals after overcoming Iranian Najmeh Boushehrizadeh 11-2, 11-2, 12-10.

The world number 24 admitted to losing a bit of focus in the third set, allowing her opponent to put up a stiffer fight.

“I am relieved to win. I was comfortable in the first two sets but lost a bit of focus in the third. I tried to finish the match early but made a few mistakes. So I tried to refocus on the game and ensure my shots went in. Fortunately, I managed to finish it in three sets,” she said.

Aira is scheduled to meet Hong Kong player Chan Sin Yuk in the quarterfinals, presenting an opportunity to avenge her defeat at the same stage during the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games.

In the mixed doubles event, the pair of Mohd Syafiq Mohd Kamal and Aifa Azman advanced to the quarterfinals after subduing Renshi Makino and Risa Sugimoto from the host country 11-5, 11-3 in the round of 16.

Also advancing is the pair of C. Ameeshenraj and Rachel Arnold, who defeated China’s Zhang Yuning and Li Haizen 11-5, 11-1. — Bernama