KUALA LUMPUR: Asian champion S. Sivasangari has reclaimed her position as the No. 1 women's player in the country, moving up seven spots in the world rankings following a string of encouraging results.
The Kedah-born player is now ranked No. 22 globally, seven positions ahead of Malaysia Squash Cup finalist Rachel Arnold, while Aifa Azman dropped seven places to world No. 32.
Sivasangari is currently enjoying her most successful streak after recovering from a road accident last year, which had raised questions about her return to the PSA Tour.
Before the accident, the 24-year-old, under the guidance of coach David Palmer, held the world No. 16 ranking.
In recent tournaments, Sivasangari reached the semi-finals of the Malaysia Squash Cup and the quarter-finals of the Singapore Open.
She also secured a notable victory over world No. 6 Nour El Tayeb in the second round in Singapore.
In September, she showed her mettle by winning two gold medals at the Hangzhou Asian Games.
National coach Ajaz Azmat believes Sivasangari will break into the top 20 before the end of the year.
"Sivasangari will achieve it if she accumulates anough ranking points at the ongoing Hong Kong Football Club Open and the Hong Kong Open (Nov 27-Dec 3). She is playing well, and I believe she will end the season on a high," said Ajaz.
In the men's rankings, Asian champion Ng Eain Yow is the highest-ranked Malaysian at No. 21, followed by Ivan Yuen (No. 58), Addeen Idrakie (No. 68), and Syafiq Kamal (No. 84).
Meanwhile, Malaysia's emerging stars secured a double victory at the Bondi Open in Sydney on Sunday.
Bryan Lim defeated compatriot Hafiz Zhafri 11-9, 11-6, 11-1 in the men's final, while K. Sehveetrraa, 18, fended off a strong challenge from compatriot U. Thanusaa before prevailing 7-11, 11-9, 11-2, 9-11, 11-6 to win the women's crown.