{
  "id": 15552206,
  "title": "'She can reach world No. 1': Sivasangari backed to scale new heights",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/she-can-reach-world-no-1-sivasangari-backed-to-scale-new-heights",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-19T03:52:08.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/racquet-sports/2026/10/1558734/she-can-reach-world-no-1-sivasangari-backed-scale-new-heights"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR: S. Sivasangari is on a promising trajectory to challenge for a podium finish at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after ascending to a career-high No. 4 in the latest PSA world rankings. The 27-year-old Malaysian woman, who recently secured her Asian Games title in Aichi-Nagoya, is only the second Malaysian to break into the world's top four since Datuk Nicol David. Sivasangari, under the guidance of coach Gregory Gaultier, has demonstrated significant improvement, defeating top players such as Amina Orfi, Hania El Hammamy, and Nour El Sherbini. With 17 PSA Tour titles, she could ascend further in rankings if she sustains her current performance. Former SRAM coaching director, Major (rtd) S. Maniam, expressed pride in Sivasangari's achievements, predicting she could reach the world's top three and challenge for the No. 1 ranking. The next challenge for the Malaysian squash sensation is to deliver consistent performances against the world's best in tournaments like the Silicon Valley Open.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: S. Sivasangari is on the right track to challenge for a podium finish at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after climbing to a career-high No. 4 in the latest PSA world rankings released today.",
  "key_points": [
    "S. Sivasangari reaches world No. 4, career-high ranking",
    "Malaysian squash player secures Asian Games title",
    "Former coach predicts potential world No. 1"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Sivasangari’s rapid ascent into the world top four signals a potential shift in Malaysian squash dominance as she transitions from regional success to serious contention for the global number one ranking.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}