Nicol, Delia move into semi-finals of 18th Asian Squash Championship

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FROM LEFT: Datuk Nicol David, Delia Arnold, Low Wee Wern and Vanisha Raj -PHOTO BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian squash queen and world number one player, Datuk Nicol David continues her scintillating performance as she moved into the last four of the 18th Asian Squash Championship 2015 in Kuwait.

Nicol, the top seed, defeated seventh seed, Liu Tsz Ling of Hong Kong; 11-6, 11-3 and 11-7 in the quarter-final match on Sunday at Sheikh/Salem Al-Sabah International Squash Complex in Kuwait.

The 31-year old Penangite, who is also the eight-time Asian champion, will square-off against the fourth seed, Joshana Chinappa of India in the semi-final battle, later today.

Chinappa cruised into the semi-final after earning a hard-fought 3-2 (11-8, 11-13, 9-11, 11-9 and 11-7) against the fifth seed, Joey Chan of Hong Kong in another gruelling quarter-final encounter which lasted about 70 minutes.

Another Malaysian player, Delia Arnold also made it to semis after pulling off a major surprise by defeating second seed, Dipika Pallikal of India in a five-set thriller; 11-7, 12-14, 11-13, 11-8 and 11-9.

Delia’s younger sister, Rachel however failed to march further after losing 5-11, 5-11 and 7-11 to the third seed and defending champion, Annie Au of Hong Kong.

It was the end of the road for the national men’s squad after the sole survivor in the tournament, Mohd Nafiizwan Adnan lost 5-11, 6-11, 11-9 and 8-11 to host player, Abdullah Al-Mezayen in the quarter-final match. — BERNAMA