KUALA LUMPUR: With Nicol David out of the equation, competition in the women's event of the National Championships, which starts at the National Squash Complex on Wednesday, should be an open affair.
Recently crowned 2017 PSA Young Player of the Year, S. Sivasangari will be the one to watch as the national No 2 is the top seed and will be eager to stamp her mark in Nicol’s absence.
Nicol pulled out of the British Open in May as a precautionary measure after picking up hamstring and adductor strains at the El Gouna International Squash Open in late April and has decided not to defend her national title to focus on her preparations for the Indonesia Asian Games in August.
Buoyed by her PSA accolade, Sivasangari, 19, is eager to win the tournament for a first time but is aware of the stiff competition she will face.
She will enter the history books as the youngest winner of the tournament if she is successful.
"It’s not everyday I get an award like that and it has boosted my confidence. At the same time, it does add pressure but I have to learn to manage it," said Sivasangari.
"I definitely hope to win my first national title, especially as Nicol will not be playing this time.
"However, it will not be easy. I am the No 2 but Low Wee Wern is making her comeback from injury while Rachel Arnold and Aifa Azaman will also be there. It will be a lot harder than it seems."
Sivasangari, who is currently World No 40, enjoyed a strong 2017 by winning two gold at the Kuala Lumpur Sea Games and three other titles on tour.
The Kedahan will open against Federal Territories’ Aina Azman and is likely to meet Rachel in the semi-finals.
Returning from a 20-month injury layoff, former World No 5 Wee Wern could also be a factor if she can navigate the early rounds of the competition.
The 27-year-old, who has struggled with knee injuries in recent seasons, is seeded second and will face up-and-coming Zoe Foo in the first round.
“The 2016 National Championships, where I lost to Delia (Arnold) in the final, was my last competitive tournament. It is only fitting that this is the tournament that I make my return,” said Wee Wern
“Of course, it’s going to be tough because I haven’t played for a very long time and it’s not easy getting back into tournament mode.
“My main focus now is really to get back out there and start again and hopefully my knee holds up well.”
Wee Wern, won the National title in 2012 and 2014, is likely to face Aifa Azman in the semi-finals.
The women will have added motivation to do well at the tournament as there is still one Asian Games spot up for grabs for the individual event with Nicol.