| NICOL AGAIN! |
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| Monday, 28 September 2009 03:30 |
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Malaysia's squash queen and World No 1 won her fourth Women's World Open title after defeating host Netherlands' favourite, Natalie Grinham. The Amsterdam-based Nicol now becomes only the third player in the history of the championships to win four titles, alongside Australia's Sarah Fitz-Gerald and New Zealander Susan Devoy.
It was Natalie who took the early lead, winning 11-3 in the first set which was held at the glass court of the Frans Otten Stadion in Amsterdam. However, Nicol regained her winning stroke in the remaining sets and sealed the game with 11-6, 11-3 and 11-8. They battled on court for 51 minutes. "I knew it was going to be tough - I felt those eight-all and nine-all points were so crucial," said the new champion, former winner of the crown in 2005, 2006 and 2008. "I needed that second game. After she won the first, I just didn't want her to get any more confidence. "I just knew that the rallies would go on and on." Nicol David, the 26-year-old from Penang who this month became the third longest holder of the world number one ranking of all-time, arrived in Amsterdam with her invincibility slightly shattered after losing in the quarter-finals of the British Open. "To come back from last week and win my fourth world title means a lot to me," added David.
"I'm so happy. I just don't know what to say."
Natalie Grinham was clearly devastated by the defeat. "I'm still thinking about the game," said the 31-year-old from Almere shortly afterwards. "I wish there was more to play.
"When I think of how sick I was at the start of the year, being able to get a silver medal in the worlds is a great achievement in a way - I'm really delighted to be competing again at such a high level.
"But I've been second three times already, and I didn't come here to be second again, so of course I'm disappointed.
"I thought I was definitely up there."
It was their second meet at the world open. In 2006 when the championship was held in Belfast, Ireland, Nicol survived an epic 98-minute marathon final against Natalie. - Wire services.
NOTE: For comprehensive coverage of the event plus interviews and analyses, head over to: http://www.womensworldopen.com/
You certainly won't get such respectful coverage from our mainstream media. (Rolls eyes)
So while the suits in their aircon cages try to play up the 1 Malaysia F1 in the headlines, let us the People send our resounding congratulations to Nicol David - empat kali jaguh dunia. |
| Last Updated on Monday, 28 September 2009 04:29 |
In a trophy room that's already quite full with silverware, Nicol Ann David must now take great pleasure in making room for another.
