Nicol in sizzling form
Sunday August 3, 2008
Nicol in sizzling form
KUALA LUMPUR: World No. 1 Nicol David clinched her sixth straight title of the year when she retained the CIMB Singapore Masters crown at the Kallang Squash Centre yesterday.
But it was not easy as Nicol had to fight back from a set down before prevailing 8-11, 11-3, 11-5, 11-8 over third seed Rachael Grinham of Australia in 39 minutes.
“Rachael is always a tough opponent and she has a variety of shots in her armoury. But because I was patient and kept plugging away, I was rewarded in the end,” Nicol said.
“I need a break especially after two consecutive tournaments (Malaysia and Singapore) where I’ve gone through some tough matches, like today.”
It was Nicol’s seventh win over the Australian in their eight meetings over the last 12 months.
Too good: Rachael Grinham returning a shot to Nicol David in the final yesterday. Nicol won 8-11, 11-3, 11-5, 11-8. – KENNETH WONG / The Star
Grinham said: “I am still struggling with the new scoring system, but then again Nicol is a good player and she deserves to win.”
Nicol’s 30th Women’s International Squash Players Association (Wispa) title since turning pro in 2000 earned her US$8,550 while Grinham took home US$6,075.
Nicol’s other wins this year were the Apawamis Open, Kuala Lumpur Open, British Open, Seoul Open and Malaysian Open.
But Nicol’s assignment in Singapore is not over yet.
Today she will take on Singapore’s No. 1 men’s player Udai Singh in a “Battle of the Sexes” at the same venue. Also in action will be Asian junior champion Low Wee Wern of Malaysia, who will face Singapore’s national junior No. 1 Samuel Kang in the other match-up.
Although Nicol will be seeking her seventh title when she defends her Dutch Open title next month, her priority is the World Open in Manchester in October.
The Penangite won the World Open twice in 2005 and 2006 but lost to New Zealand’s Shelly Kitchen in the second round in Madrid last year.
Too good: Rachael Grinham returning a shot to Nicol David in the final yesterday. Nicol won 8-11, 11-3, 11-5, 11-8. – KENNETH WONG / The Star
Grinham said: “I am still struggling with the new scoring system, but then again Nicol is a good player and she deserves to win.”
Nicol’s 30th Women’s International Squash Players Association (Wispa) title since turning pro in 2000 earned her US$8,550 while Grinham took home US$6,075.
Nicol’s other wins this year were the Apawamis Open, Kuala Lumpur Open, British Open, Seoul Open and Malaysian Open.
But Nicol’s assignment in Singapore is not over yet.
Today she will take on Singapore’s No. 1 men’s player Udai Singh in a “Battle of the Sexes” at the same venue. Also in action will be Asian junior champion Low Wee Wern of Malaysia, who will face Singapore’s national junior No. 1 Samuel Kang in the other match-up.
Although Nicol will be seeking her seventh title when she defends her Dutch Open title next month, her priority is the World Open in Manchester in October.
The Penangite won the World Open twice in 2005 and 2006 but lost to New Zealand’s Shelly Kitchen in the second round in Madrid last year.