The last time the women’s PSA World Championships were won by a non-egyptian player, the winner was Malaysian. Legend of the game Nicol David scored a record eighth title in Cairo, beating Raneem El Welily in the final to lead the way in world championships won. Sivasangari Subramaniam has been the leading Malaysian player for a few seasons now and wants to have a taste of the same glory that her trail blazing hero enjoyed in her illustrious career.
Subramaniam is no doubt one of the most skilful players in the game and has the power to find winners from all over the court to trouble any opposition. Consistency has been the 26 year old’s problem so far in her career but if regular showings of her quality could come in every event, she would be a force to be reckoned with. The biggest tournament of the season is just around the corner in Chicago and Subramaniam is hopeful of a strong week to follow in the footsteps of her idol.
“The first memory that I have of the World Championships is watching Nicol David playing in 2014 when I was 14 or 15,” said Subramaniam.
“I was playing in the qualifying of the event but I didn’t get through but it was so memorable for me because I was still so young and to watch Nicol play really gave me the motivation to push to the higher levels of the PSA tour.
“The Worlds has a bigger draw compared to other draws. It has a 64 draw with qualifying happening in different continents before hand so you have lots of players and countries taking part. The prize money is that much bigger as well which makes it more special. It’s the biggest one for everyone, now that squash is in the Olympics it may change but for right now it is the biggest event.”
Subramaniam was asked how it would feel to lift the World Championships trophy and what it would feel like for her to bring the trophy back to Malaysia after over a decade of Egyptian dominance.
“I think it will mean lot. It’s different to winning a Platinum event I think. I think to have your name on that trophy is very big and if I was to win a World Champs, it’s something so special. Winning the Worlds is most players’ ultimate goal and the biggest thing to happen in their squash careers. I think I’d rather be World Champion than World No.1.”
“Nicol has won eight worlds but after that nobody from Malaysia has done it. If I was to do it, that would be amazing. IU ave been compared to Nicol over the years but as I said, we’re all different. So personally for me, to bring the title back to Malaysia would be so good.
Given how much of an impact David had on squash in Malaysia, comparisons between the two have been a consistent feature of Subramaniam’s career. Despite the difference in accolades between the two at this stage in ‘Siva’s’ career, she admits that the comparison doesn’t bother her and insists that it’s an honour to be compared with such a legend.
“I don’t struggle with the comparison to Nicol.
“It started when I won the Asian Games and some other titles but it’s all about yourself. Everyone has had their own struggles with life to get to where they are and it’s an honour for me to even be compared with her given what she has done in the game.”
Subramaniam’s highest world ranking is No.7 and hasn’t strayed away from that ranking for more than a year now. She is grouped with a pack of players all looking to emulate the fortunes of Olivia Weaver and Amina Orfi and separate themselves to challenge ‘The Big 3’. The Malaysian is one of the only players in the pack to have beaten two of the top three but knows that her consistency must improve in order to progress.
“It makes it very interesting but it adds more pressure, the weekly rankings do add pressure because of draw position in upcoming tournaments. 6-12 is very competitive, I personally think that I can provide a challenge to everyone and I just need to find the consistency. Also the experience makes a big difference and I think if I can learn from the tough losses that I’ve had then I can be back up there and challenging the top five.
“I think it’s the consistently of my squash and maybe the metal side for me. I have the game to beat the top girls and to be at the top, but I think the thing separating me from them is the consistency throughout events. The top players are so consistent and that’s a big thing that I’m trying to figure out and get ahead of.”
The Malaysian’s career highlight on the PSA Tour so far came last spring at the inaugural London Squash Classic. Subramaniam produced incredible squash to defeat the World No.4, 3 and 1 on route to claiming her first Gold event title. One of the most surprise event wins in recent World Events history and a sign of what she can do when she’s playing her best.
“I think it was all mental. In London, I didn’t have any stress or pressure, I just enjoyed the environment, I still re-live those moments and it still feels unreal for me and I think at that point I wasn’t putting any pressure on my squash and that’s not easy to do. When you’re top 10 there’s more pressure. You’re so determined to stay in the place that you’ve worked so hard to get to, so I just want to stay in the moment and that’s what I did that week.
“I had the same feeling in Cincinnati a few months ago when I won there. I felt free and no pressure and just played my squash. It was a strong draw and I’d say that was the highlight of the season for me so far. There’s a few more events to come so hopefully I can change that by the end.”
The 2024/25 PSA World Championships presented by the Walter Family gets underway on 9th May and runs to the 17th. With all action available to watch live on SQUASHTV and selected broadcast partners later in the event.
For more information on the PSA World Championships 24/25, visit the tournament website or follow the PSA on X, Facebook,Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Threads, WhatsApp or LinkedIn.
