Defending champions Ng Eain Yow and S. Sivasangari advanced to the semi-finals of the squash competition at the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, demonstrating resilience amid mounting challenges.

In the men’s quarter-final at the Nagoya Kinjo Futo Arena, top seed Ng Eain Yow faced Hong Kong’s Lau Tsz Kwan in a match that tested his focus and adaptability. Ng secured a straight-sets victory, 11-4, 11-9, 11-4, despite encountering varied tactics from his opponent. “The challenge was different because he played using different tactics, so I had to adapt to the situation,” Ng said. He noted a brief lapse in concentration during the second set but managed to regain composure to close the match efficiently.

Ng is scheduled to play fourth seed Noor Zaman of Pakistan in the semi-finals. Reflecting on his status as defending champion, Ng emphasized his determination to maintain his title. “I won’t settle for anything less. My mindset remains the same,” he stated, affirming his commitment to rigorous preparation ahead of the next round.

On the women’s side, top-seeded S. Sivasangari secured a semi-final berth after overcoming Hong Kong’s Ho Tze Lok in straight sets, 11-8, 11-7, 11-8. Sivasangari described the match as her first significant test in Japan and acknowledged that there is room for improvement in her performance. “I don’t think I played my best yet, but I managed to find my way and finish it in three sets,” she remarked.

Sivasangari is set to face Hong Kong’s fifth seed Chan Sin Yuk in the semi-finals, marking a rematch of the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games final, where Sivasangari emerged victorious. Chan Sin Yuk reached this stage by defeating Malaysia's Aira Azman in the quarter-finals with a 10-12, 11-9, 11-5, 11-9 scoreline, repeating her previous quarter-final win against Azman during the 2022 Games.

Both Ng Eain Yow and Sivasangari remain focused on their pursuit of gold, navigating a competitive field as the tournament progresses toward its final stages.