Sivasangari and Eain Yow Power Into Asian Games Squash Semi-Finals, Aira Bows Out

Malaysia's two defending Asian Games squash champions remain firmly on course to retain their titles. S. Sivasangari and Ng Eain Yow both won their quarter-finals in straight games at the Nagoya Kinjo Futo Arena on Friday, 25 September, while youngster Aira Azman's run came to an end.

Sivasangari not at her best, but through

Sivasangari beat Hong Kong's Ho Tze Lok 11-8, 11-7, 11-8 to reach the women's singles semi-finals.

Despite the comfortable scoreline, the world No. 5 admitted afterwards that she had not been at her sharpest. "I expected a much more competitive match compared to yesterday. But I don't think I played my best, although I managed to find my way to win," she said, as quoted by Malay Mail.

Eain Yow solves a tricky puzzle

Top seed Eain Yow was similarly efficient, defeating Hong Kong's Lau Tsz Kwan 11-4, 11-9, 11-4 in the men's singles quarter-final.

Speaking to Utusan Malaysia, Eain Yow said he had initially struggled to read his opponent's game because Lau was not playing in his usual style, but he eventually found a way to secure the 3-0 win. He added that, as defending champion, he was sticking to the same approach he had used in earlier rounds: never underestimating any opponent.

Aira's brave run ends

Aira Azman, who had reached the last eight alongside Sivasangari, was knocked out by Hong Kong's Chan Sin Yuk. Aira won the opening game in a tight 12-10 finish, but Chan fought back to win the next three games 11-9, 11-5, 11-9.

That result means Sivasangari will now face Chan in the semi-finals.

Semi-final line-up

According to World Squash, the singles semi-finals are scheduled for Saturday, 26 September:

• Women's singles: Sivasangari (Malaysia) vs Chan Sin Yuk (Hong Kong); Satomi Watanabe (Japan) vs Anahat Singh (India)
• Men's singles: Ng Eain Yow (Malaysia) vs Noor Zaman (Pakistan); Abhay Singh (India) vs Muhammad Ashab Irfan (Pakistan)

Eain Yow's opponent, Noor Zaman, reached the last four by beating Hong Kong's Henry Leung 3-1. Pakistan's Nation newspaper noted it is the first time since 2002 that two Pakistani men have reached the Asian Games singles semi-finals.

More than a medal at stake

As World Squash has highlighted, the winners of the singles events at Aichi-Nagoya will also make history by earning a place at the LA28 Olympic Games, where squash makes its debut. That adds significant weight to every match from here on for both Malaysians.

Both players are already guaranteed at least a bronze medal, as there is no bronze play-off in Asian Games squash.

Key takeaways

• Sivasangari beat Ho Tze Lok 11-8, 11-7, 11-8 to reach the women's semis.
• Eain Yow beat Lau Tsz Kwan 11-4, 11-9, 11-4 to reach the men's semis.
• Aira Azman lost to Chan Sin Yuk in four games after winning the first.
• Sivasangari faces Chan Sin Yuk; Eain Yow faces Pakistan's Noor Zaman.
• Singles champions earn a place at the LA28 Olympics.

FAQ

Who does Sivasangari play in the semi-finals? Hong Kong's Chan Sin Yuk, who knocked out Malaysia's Aira Azman in the quarter-finals.

Who does Ng Eain Yow play in the semi-finals? Pakistan's Noor Zaman, who beat Hong Kong's Henry Leung 3-1 in the last eight.

Why are the squash singles titles extra important this year? World Squash reports that the Asian Games singles winners will earn a place at the LA28 Olympics, where squash will feature for the first time.

Sources: Malay Mail, Bernama, Utusan Malaysia, The Star, World Squash, The Nation