KUALA LUMPUR: National No. 3 S. Sivasangari got past compatriot Aifa Azman to reach the semi-finals of the Asian Individual Squash Championships in Hong Kong on Thursday.
The 24-year-old, who has slipped to No. 50 in the world rankings, won the crucial points as she edged past world No. 29 Aifa 12-10, 12-14, 12-10, 11-7 in the quarter-finals.
The Cornell University graduate, who has been playing catch-up after missing six months of action due to a car accident last year, had a tense start as she just about nicked the first game 12-10.
Aifa, who is familiar with Sivasangari's style of play, roared back to level proceedings by taking the second game 14-12.
However, Sivasangari bounced back to take the match in 43 minutes.
It is certainly a much-needed boost for Sivasangari as she has been showing the same form and tenacity that took her to a career-high No. 16 in the world last year.
"It is tough playing your own teammate, and I felt that I put too much pressure on myself, which did not turn out so well," said Sivasangari.
"I think we both knew each other's game well, so I just had to hang in there and focus on one point at a time.
"I am definitely not happy with my game today, but it's not going to be a pretty win every day, so I'm pleased to have gotten through in the end."
Sivasangari will face another tough challenge in the semi-finals going up against junior rival and world No. 18 Satomi Watanabe of Japan.
Top seed Satomi, who is the first Japanese to crack the world's top 20, showed why she is the most in-form Asian woman as she defeated defending champion Tong Tsz Wing of Hong Kong 11-5, 11-4, 11-7.
"It is going to be tough as she has been playing with confidence lately," said Sivasangari.
"I will try not to put so much pressure on myself, be more patient with my game and trust my shots."
Meanwhile, joint third seed Rachel Arnold lost 11-13, 12-10, 11-4, 11-7 to Hong Kong's world No. 39 Chan Sin Yuk.
In the men's event, top seed and defending champion Ng Eain Yow and veteran Ivan Yuen both progressed into the last four.
World No. 17 Eain Yow had too much quality for compatriot Addeen Idrakie as he claimed an 11-3, 11-4, 11-4 win in 24 minutes.
Ivan had to bank on his experience to overcome homester Tang Ming Hong 14-12, 11-5, 11-8.
Eain Yow will be up against Hong Kong's Henry Leung in the semi-finals, and Ivan faces India's Velavan Senthilkumar.
