The Malaysian contingent is assured of a second gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games after national squash players Nicol David and S. Sivasangari advanced to the women's individual final on Saturday.
Nicol, the defending champion and four-time Asian Games winner, lived up to the top billings by defeating world no. 19 Dipika Pallikal of India, winning 11-7, 11-9, 11-6 in her semi-final match.
Sivasangsari, in the other semi-final tie, continued her giant-killing act by stunning world no. 16 Joshna Chinappa of India, winning 12-10, 11-6, 9-11, 11-7.
The 19-year-old Kedahan had already pulled off a surprise by beating world no. 11 Annie Au of Hong Kong in the last eight yesterday.
Speaking to Bernama after the match, the elated Nicol was happy with the victory and praised her Indian opponent for putting up a stiff competition in today’s match.
"I was pleased to win in three straight sets. Right from the first set, she played very well and after winning the second set, it gave me more confidence before I wrapped up a win in the third set.
"I knew I would play against a tough opponent today and I needed to be on fire, so overall I am happy to pull it off and put up a good show," the Penangite added.
It was a different mission for Sivasangari, who was vying to surprise her squash idol on her maiden debut at the Asian Games, adding that she was delighted to continue her splendid performance in Indonesia.
"I still can’t believe what just happened as it is my first Asian Games and I was speechless after qualifying to the final. I was mentally prepared facing Chinappa, having defeated the world no. 11 player yesterday.
“I have been looking forward to playing against Nicol from an early age and it’s a dream come true to play against her, but we will see what will happen tomorrow,” the petite teenager added.
Sunday's final will be the second all-Malaysian affairs at the Asian Games after the 2014 edition, which saw Nicol beat Low Wee Wern 9–11, 11–6, 11–5, 12–10.
The Malaysian contingent won the first gold medal in a bowling event (women’s trio) on August 22 through Esther Cheah Mei Lan, Siti Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman and Syaidatul Afifah Badrul Hamidi.
Bernama
Sat Aug 25 2018
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