Semis: Orfi Ends Sivasangari’s Title Defence

Egypt’s No.2 seed Amina Orfi has reached the final of the London Squash Classic presented by Bassim Haidar for the first time after ending Sivasangari Subramaniam’s title defence at Alexandra Palace.

Orfi – who will play Belgium’s No.8 seed Nele Gilis in the title decider – put in a powerhouse of a performance to win 11-7, 11-7, 7-11, 11-5 to reach her first PSA Squash Tour final since April’s El Gouna International.

The 18-year-old played at a high pace throughout, always looking to put Sivasangari under severe pressure.

The Malaysian found her best squash at the business end of both of the first two games, but the deficit between her and Orfi was too big for her to make up as the Egyptian opened up a two-game advantage.

Sivasangari – who beat three of the world’s top four when she won the London Classic in April of last year – showed plenty of grit in the third game as she struck back to keep her hopes alive, moving Orfi to side to side and attacking with accuracy into the front.

Orfi got herself back in front in the fourth though and closed out the win to reach her 13th PSA Squash Tour final.

“I knew it was going to be a tough match, we played several times last season and we’re both very close [in ranking],” said Orfi afterwards.

“I knew it was going to be a battle, but I knew she was going to be under pressure being the defending champion.

“She’s [Gilis] done really well this tournament. She didn’t play the quarters match, but she had a great performance today, so I’m going to see what I can do tomorrow.

“I’m not trying to really think about rankings, I just want to play well and see the work that I’ve done in the summer. I’m trying to turn up in these events hopefully win as many titles as I can.”

Result

[2] Amina Orfi (EGY) bt [5] Sivasangari Subramaniam (MAS) 3-1: 11-7, 11-7, 7-11, 11-5 (68m)

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