Nicol does not take lightly opponent at the 2014 incheon Asian Games

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PUTRAJAYA: Malaysian squash queen Datuk Nicol David will not underestimate her opponent despite being the clear favorite to retain the individual gold medal at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games in South Korea, starting Sept 19.

The world number one who will be vying for her fourth Asian Games gold medal said was aware of the threat several players could pose, especially Japan’s Misaki Kobayashi, 2012 Busan Asian Games gold medallist, Annie Au of Hong Kong and players from India and Pakistan.

“My preparation leading up to the Asian Games had started before the Commonwealth Games, so, I and the other teammates had a time off to prepare for the Asian Games. So far, I feel my condition is very good to face the games,” Nicol told reporters after being a panelists for a motivational talk for the national contingent for the Asian Games, here, today.

The talk, organised by the National Sports Council (NSC) was moderated by former national squash player Sharon Wee and involved former national karate exponent R. Puvaneswaran and the national bowler Shalin Zulkifli.

Nicol was also upbeat about the national women squad’s chances to retain the gold medal in the team event with the likes of national number two Low Wee Wern and national junior Vanessa Raj showing promise.

“We have a good team, just like four years ago. Its good to have a team we’ve known, especially having played together before at the Asian Squash Team Championship, early this year,” she said.

The 31-year old Penangite was also delighted to be selected as the flag bearer for the Asian Games since it was the first time she was given such an honour.

For the record, Nicol has won gold at three Asian Games — 1998 (Bangkok, Thailand); 2006 (Doha, Qatar) and 2010 (Guangzhou, China).

She lost to Annie Au of Hong Kong in the 2012 Asian Games held in Busan, South Korea.– BERNAMA