The national women’s squash team successfully reclaimed the title by dethroning defending champions Hong Kong 2-0 in a thrilling final.

National ace S Sivasangari delivered the first point for Malaysia by outlasting Ho Tze Lok in a gruelling five-set showdown.

The world No 10 and 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games gold medallist mounted a spectacular comeback, rallying from a first-set loss to triumph 3-2 by a 10-12, 13-11, 11-6, 10-12, 11-8 score.

Building on Sivasangari’s momentum, Rachel Arnold cruised through her match against Tong Tsz Wing 11-6, 11-5, 11-8 to give Malaysia the winning point.

It was sweet revenge for the Malaysians against Hong Kong, who had dashed their hopes of back-to-back titles in the 2022 final.

National coach Shahril Shahidan praised Sivasangari’s resilience and highlighted Rachel’s focus and composure in the final.

“Sangari had a good comeback. It was an up-and-down game for her today, especially when she played too relaxed.

“In the last game, she was down 7-2 but after that she played very well with good intensity,” he said.

He described Rachel’s win as “straightforward”.

“We didn’t expect Tong to not play well today. Maybe the pressure of needing to win affected her focus.

“Rachel, on the other hand, played very well. She was focused since we were already up 1-0,” he said.

The national men’s squad made it a double for Malaysia by edging  Hong Kong 2-1 in a nail-biting final.

National No 1 Ng Eain Yow gave Malaysia a perfect start by  overcoming Lau Tsz Kwan 11-7, 11-8, 11-8, but the score was then tied at 1-1 after Addeen Idrakie lost to Henry Leung 11-4, 7-11, 2-11, 7-11.

World No 130 Ameeshenraj Chandaran emerged the nation’s hero by recovering from a first-set loss to defeat world No 88 Tang Ming Hong 8-11, 11-8, 11-6, 11-4.

It was the national squad’s second title in the last three editions after emerging as champions in 2021.