sports

Nicol David eyes winning return in British open

March 11, 2016

Malaysia's squash queen and world number two player Datuk Nicol David is looking at making a comeback by winning the British Open Squash Championships. – Reuters pic, March 11, 2016. Malaysia's squash queen and world number two player Datuk Nicol David is vying to return to winning ways starting with the prestigious British Open Squash Championships, which will be held at the end of the month.

Nicol, who is also the five-time champion of the tournament, only managed to clinch one title for the past 12 months, namely the Hong Kong Open in December last year.

The 2016 British Open will be held at the Airco Arena in Hull, England from March 21-27.

"The prestige of this event is the highlight for me and to be part of the British Open every year is truly special.

"It is the longest running squash tournament in the history of the sport and every player is gunning to win that title to make their mark in the squash world," Nicol was quoted as saying in the Professional Squash Association (PSA) website.

"It is such a thrilling experience winning this title knowing you're part of an elite group of legendary squash players who have put their name on this trophy.

"The British Open title is probably seen as the highest regard before the World title was introduced so it does carry a lot of weight winning this title," said Nicol who emerged victorious in 2005, 2006, 2008, 2012 and 2014.

The 32-year old Penangite who is also eight-time world champion, noted that lifting the title for the sixth time in the British Open would certainly a tough task as she would be up against the likes of as world number one Laura Massaro of England and two Egyptian players – Raneem El Welily and Nour El Sherbini.

"It is exciting times for squash at present to have everyone pushing each other to perform at their best each time we compete with each other," she said.

"That's the challenge that drives me to push harder in my training and to prepare for battle. But this year is another new year and I'll approach the tournament the way I do each time – that is to focus on my first round match then take it from there," Nicol said.

The qualifying rounds for the tournament will be staged at the University of Hull from March 19-20, followed with the main draw at the Airco Arena from March 21 onwards. – Bernama, March 11, 2016.