Sivasangari loses five-game Egyptian Open semi-final to Hania
The Malaysian world No. 4 lost the deciding game 12-10 after an 86-minute contest against defending champion Hania El Hammamy in Cairo.
Malaysia's S. Sivasangari was eliminated from the Egyptian Open after world No. 2 Hania El Hammamy won their semi-final in Cairo. The defending champion prevailed in 86 minutes, taking the fifth game 12-10.
For Sivasangari, ranked No. 4, it was a repeat of September's Qatar Classic semi-final, where she also lost to the Egyptian by 12-10 in the decider. She has now lost 11 of their 13 meetings.
National coach Ajaz Azmat said Sivasangari had chances to change the outcome, particularly in the third game. She held a 10-8 advantage but lost that game 12-10. He nevertheless expressed satisfaction with her performance, noting that she had reached a Diamond-level semi-final for the first time.
Hania said Sivasangari had become a more demanding opponent, testing her mentally and tactically through the later games.
The final will pit Hania against fellow Egyptian and world No. 1 Amina Orfi. The reigning world champion beat former No. 1 Nouran Gohar 9-11, 11-8, 12-10, 11-6 in the other semi-final.
Sivasangari, 27, is next scheduled to compete at the Silicon Valley Open in the United States from Oct 20-24.
