Sivasangari Subramaniam (Mas) 3-2 [8] Amanda Sobhy (Usa) 9-11, 11-9, 6-11, 12-10, 11-6 (51m)
What an upset, and what a performance from that young player, who is in Cornell US Uni, not playing full time. I remember three years ago, watching her play in Nantes and thinking: world number one in the making. I stand by that.
In the fifth, Amanda looked very very flat. I think it was more a mental fatigue than everything else as she was up 2/1 and 6/1 up in the 4th, before the little Malaysian gave it a huge push to clinch that crucial 4th, 12/10.
Yes, physical drop in energy probably, but maybe Amanda relaxed juuuuust a fraction in that 4th, and just couldn’t get the mojo back in the 5th. She was taking her time, doing the “Harlem Walk” between points, but it was not enough today. Siva, playing an extremely powerful squash Nouran Gohar Style in the decider, took a great lead 6/1, and stayed ahead for the rest of the game, 8/4, 11/6….
Sivasangari
I was down 2/1 and 6/1 I think and I remember thinking that I have so little occasion to play on the tour now I’m in college, that I have to give my absolute all when I get the chance. And I have nothing to lose, so I just tried to stay mentally strong.
In the 4th, I made far too many errors, so in the 5th, I told myself to play hard and make the rallies as long as possible.
I’m training under my coach, David Palmer, and he’s really working on my movement and squash tactics. I think it’s working, I’m happy with how I’m playing right now, so hopefully I can maintain and do better in the next round.
This is definitely my best performance, beating a top ten player. I just did my best, and I didn’t think about the possibility of playing in front of the Pyramids yet! If I get there, it would be my second time playing on an outdoor court, my first time was in Gouna….
It’s a once in a lifetime experience playing at the Pyramids, but I’ve got to get through tomorrow. If I can win tomorrow, it would be a really good result.
