KUALA LUMPUR: S. Sivasangari achieved her biggest career win by stunning world No. 1 Nour El Sherbini of Egypt 11-9, 11-9 to qualify for the semi-finals of the US$108,500 London Squash Classic on Saturday.
World no. 16 Sivasangari is the first player outside the top 10 to beat the Egyptian, a seven-time world champion.
In their last two meetings, Sivasangari lost to Nour in straight sets in the quarter-finals of the Florida Open in January and the El Gouna International in Cairo in 2022.
Sivasangari will face world No. 4 Nele Gilis of Belgium in the semi-finals at 11pm (Malaysian time) today.
Gilis defeated fifth seed Georgina Kennedy of England 6-11, 11-6, 11-3. For the record, Sivasangari failed to beat Gilis in their last three meetings. Sivasangari, 25, said: "I'm still pretty speechless. I didn't really know what was happening, and suddenly, I beat the world No. 1.
"I am still in disbelief as Nour is a seven-time world champion," Sivasangari told PSA Tour.
"She's the best on tour and is really talented.
"You can't beat her if you do not play your A game."
On the match, Sivasangari said: "I was relaxed and focused on getting a lead during each game of the match. Even after winning the first game, it was still tough.
"With Nour, you can never take things lightly. I had five match points, yet she almost caught up.
"I think my attacking play won me the match today."
Sivasangari hopes to record another memorable win in the semi-finals.
"I just want to take this in first and relax, then reset for the semi-finals," said Sivasangari.
National coach Ajaz Azmat said Sivasangari's win over Nour signals an amazing day for Malaysian squash. "Sivasangari played brilliantly to beat the squash legend. She has been showing progress in her game, and it was a matter of time.
"I knew that she would upset Nour. During her 15 days in KL, she worked on her tactics and front-court volleys.
"With the win over Nour, Sivasangari is expected to improve her world ranking by three rungs. "If she wins the tournament, she will break into the top 10 in the world," said Ajaz.