KUALA LUMPUR: National No. 3 S.Sivasangari made an assured start at the Manchester Open squash championships as she looked to put her recent poor form behind her.
The 24-year-old had arrived in Manchester on the back of a second-round defeat to upcoming English youngster Katie Maliff at the Richmond Open last week.
But the Kedah-born managed to reset her mind frame as she carved out an 11-8, 8-11, 11-7, 11-6 win over South Africa's world No. 32 Alexandra Fuller on Wednesday.
Sivasangari, who is still finding her feet and the form that took her to a career-high No. 16 in the world last year before a car accident ruled her out for several months, was on the front foot as she took the first game 11-8.
Alexandra, however, responded well and bounced back in the second game to level proceedings at 1-1.
Sivasangari, who has since dropped to No. 40 in the world, was back in control and won in 40 minutes.
"To get this win is definitely very good for me, as I did not come in with expectations," said Sivasangari.
"I think in recent tournaments, I had put too much pressure on myself.
"This time I was just enjoying myself on the court, and hopefully, I can keep this run going."
The soon-to-be University of Cornell graduate meets fifth seed Rowan Elaraby of Egypt in the second round.
World No. 11 Rowan, who had thumped Sivasangari in straight games during the second round of the World Championships, received a first-round bye.
