GOLD COAST: The sparring sessions with eight-time world champion Nicol David could give Malaysian Open winner S. Sivasangari the boost and motivation when she debuts in the Commonwealth Games on Thursday.
The World No 42, who received a first round bye, will face Scotland's Alison Thomson at the Oxenford Studios with the winner likely to face New Zealand second seed Joelle King for a quarter-final spot.
"I think I am prepared... I have been training and playing sparring matches with Nicol on the courts since I got here, so things are getting better for me," said Sivasangari.
"I don't get to play Nicol often, so sparring with her is a good thing before the tournament. However, the courts are quite tough here.
"The ball does not really bounce well on these courts. However, the courts are not a problem... I have to adapt with them and play my game.”
On the draw, the 19-year-old said she is feeling eager ahead of her first ever meeting with World No 72 Alison.
"I have never played her but I know she is a good player. I will have to play my game to get a win and qualify for the next round.
"I will likely play Joelle if I win tomorrow. Nicol gave me some tips on how to play Joelle, so let’s see whether they will work.
"However, clearing tomorrow’s match is my prime focus now," she added.
Nicol the third seed, told Bernama on Tuesday that she is not feeling any pressure ahead of the squash event.
The World No 9, who received a first round bye, plays either Malta's Colette Sultana or Cayman Islands' Samantha Hennings in the second round.
For the record, Nicol, a two-time Commonwealth Games singles champion, has not won a tournament since March last year.
Up-and-coming player Aifa Azman, who also received a bye, faces 14th seed Lisa Aitken of Scotland on Thursday.