Three other Malaysians, Delia Arnold, Low Wee Wern and Ong Beng Hee, wereshown the exit on Tuesday.

Nicol advanced into the second round after defeating a qualifier, JoshnaChinappa of India, in straight sets 11-4, 11-5 and 11-4 in just 30 minutes.

Delia lost to World No. 3 Raneem El Weleily of Egypt in a four-set matchafter making her way through to the main draw past two qualifying rounds.

She started off strongly by winning the first set 11-8 but lost the otherthree sets 7-11, 3-11 and 4-11 in a match that lasted 39 minutes. Low and Ong were shown the exit in the men’s category. — BERNAMA

Karzai was to hold talks late yesterday with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Indian counterpart Pranab Mukherjee after accepting an honorary degree on Monday night from a university the northern state of Punjab.

The Afghan leader used his acceptance speech to thank India for its support since he came to power in 2001 after the fall of the Taliban.

“India, as a friend of Afghanistan, has made an immense contribution in uplifting its youths,” he said, according to the Press Trust of India news agency.

“India has contributed 2 billion from the hard-earned money of its taxpayers for the betterment of Afghanistan.”

India’s support for Karzai is a reflection of its desire to ensure that the departure of the US and other foreign forces in 2014 does not lead to the return of the radical Islamist Taliban to power in Kabul.

According to his spokesman, Aimal Faizi, Karzai will ask for ‘all kinds of assistance from India in order to strengthen our military and security institutions’ during his talks in the capital New Delhi.

An Indian foreign ministry official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the discussions would cover a potential arms deal between the two countries.

“India is ready to meet any request that would strengthen Afghan security institutions,” said the official.

“He (Karzai) is visiting India to discuss a potential arms deal.”

India has been training a limited number of Afghan military officers for years at its military institutions, but has provided little weapons assistance except for some vehicles.

The two countries are attempting to step up their already solid relationship before international troops leave Afghanistan in 2014, foreign policy expert Brahma Chellaney told AFP.

But any extra aid from India will be in the form of ‘indirect security assistance’ such as more training of security officers and transfer of technology, said Chellaney, strategic studies professor at New Delhi’s Centre for Policy Research, a think-tank.

“This (Karzai’s visit) is part of a more intense interaction between the two countries before 2014,” he said.

“(But) there is no intention for India to have boots on the ground there.”

In 2011, India and Afghanistan began a ‘strategic partnership’ to deepen security and economic links.

But Indian activity in Afghanistan has triggered unease in neighbouring rival Pakistan, which fears losing influence in Afghanistan.

The former Taliban regime was allied with Pakistan and gave refuge to virulently anti-Indian Islamist extremists. — AFP

THE ROAD TO SUCCESS: Josephine polishing her skills at SMK Sacred Heart Squash Court.

SIBU: Never mind that she has been playing bridesmaid during the CIMB Rising Star National Junior Squash (RSNJS) championship but that will only spur Josephine Yii to train and work harder to excel.

The 13-year-old student of SMK Methodist is determined to stand on the podium one day to emulate the success of her squash idol and world No. 1 Datuk Nicol David.

“It will be my dream come true if I can ultimately reach that stage but it is a huge mountain to climb and I need to work extremely hard in order to attain success,” she said when interviewed.

Josephine took part in the recent CIMB RSNJS third leg held in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur and made it to the Girls’ Under 13 final, only to lose to Aifa Azman of Kedah 3-0 (11-8, 11-7, 11-9).

“I was trying very hard but in the end, my inexperience and lack of fitness cost me the title and I lost to a much better and stronger player,” she conceded.

Yii admitted she still has a long way to go before she could dethrone Aifa, the U13 national No. 1, but she was not about to throw in the towel.

“I will continue to polish my game, improve my fitness and, hopefully, will be able to rise to the challenge when the time comes.”

In the CIMB RSNJS first leg held in Bukit Jalil last January, Josephine achieved her breakthrough when she secured the third placing.

The win spurred her to work harder and during the CIMB RSNJS second leg held in Malacca last March, Josephine lost to Aifa 6-11,7-11, 8-11 in the final showdown.

The result of the third leg or grand final again favored Aifa, causing further heartbreak to Josephine but she promised to come back stronger and make amends in future tournaments.

“I have been working hard with my Pakistani coach Awais Amir to assess my shortcomings and, hopefully, I will be able to turn the tables on Aifa when the time comes.”

Josephine will be promoted to the U15 category next year when more skilful and stronger opponents await.

They include the likes of the Ooi Kah Yien from Negri Sembilan, Chan Yee Wen from Kedah and Lai Wen Lee from Sabah.

All of them, including Aifa, are future stars to watch and represent the next generation of players who are set to make waves in the squash fraternity.

Josephine took up squash at the age of nine and it all came spontaneously.

It happened that her father, William Yii, brought her to SMK Sacred Heart to play badminton one day and the curious girl asked to go to look at the squash court which was located nearby.

Once she was inside the court, the then squash coach told her to try squash.

Since then, she has actively participated in the squash championships, both at the state and national levels.

Thus far, her best performance was the second placing in the 2nd and final leg of the CIMB RSNJS.

Her next big tournament will be the Ong Beng Hee Cup which will be held in October in Kuala Lumpur.

Josephine is racing against time and she is hoping to get at least something from the prestigious tournament where most of the top players in the country will participate.

THE STAR CONTINUE TO SOAR: Chris Lau continues his championship run at the CIMB RSNJS held in Malacca recently.

SIBU: Young and supremely confident squash prodigy Chris Lau cemented his reputation as a rising star when he beat Kayden Keeshan Pragasam 3-0 at the CIMB Rising Star National Junior Squash (RSNJS) 2nd leg held in Hang Jebat Squash Court in Malacca recently.

The Under-9 national No. 1 made it all look all too easy as he effortlessly swept aside Kayden 11-6, 11-1, 11-6 to retain the crown for the Boys’ Under 9 category.

It was also his second consecutive victory over Kayden in the CIMB Rising Star National Junior Squash championship.

The pair met in the 1st leg when Chris also took full control to motor pass Kayden before wrapping up the game at 11-6, 11-4, 11-6.

The final leg, open to 32 top players from each age group, will be held in Bukit Jalil Sports Complex from May 9 to 12.

Chris knows that an intriguing battle is on hand for the Grand Final and he is not going to take anything for granted.

“I badly wanted to get the title as this is my final year in the Under 9 category and, hopefully, I can continue to stay focus and play consistently in the Grand Final to help bring glory to the state,” the petite 9-year-old primary two pupil of SJK © Dung Sang said.

More than 50 players from throughout the country took part in the various age group categories during the four-day championship aimed at tapping young talented squash players who would eventually be groomed to take over the mantle from the seniors.

Chris took up the racquets at the tender age of six before his talent was discovered by his then Pakistani coach Shahid Aziz.

He was roped in to undergo training for four to five days a week at the SMK Sacred Heart Squash Court, sparring with the senior players.

Currently, he trains under his Pakistani coach Awais Amir to improve on his hitting and retrieving skills.

In the recent Sarawak Schools Squash Championship held at SMK Sacred Heart, Chris competed in the U-12 category but failed to make any impact due to his younger age.

It was, nevertheless, a enriching exposure and the championship could also be a prelude to bigger days ahead for him. Chris will be promoted to the Boys’ Under-11 category next year.

Meanwhile, President of Squash Racquets Association of Sarawak Robert Lau Hui Yew described Chris’s performance at the CIMB RSNJS 2nd leg as another revelation of his potential.

“He is already the top player in the country for his category and there is only one choice for him and that is to nurture a winning attitude and establish himself before he is promoted to the Under 11 category next year where bigger challenges await.”

Lau said it would also be historic should Chris eventually won the Grand Final as he would become the first Sibu squash player to win the overall title for the CIMB RSNJS.

“Let’s wait for history to unfold,” he said.

On the performance of the Sibu players in the 2nd leg, Lau expressed satisfaction with the overall results.

Chris’s teammate Tang Thing Yew retained 6th position in the same category while another Sibu player who excelled was Josephine Yii in the Girls Under-13 category when she lost in the final to the defending champion Aifa Azman of Kedah.

Lau, who is also President of Sibu Squash Association, said they were also in the process of helping Sibu team build a better and stronger squad.

“We are fortunate to discover Chris who have the rare talent but what we need is more players like Chris in order to beef up our squad.”

RETURN SHOT: Nicol (front) in action during her CIMB Kuala Lumpur Open Squash Championships semi-final match against Massaro. — Bernama photo

GEORGE TOWN: Its back to the drawing board for World number one Datuk Nicol David after failing to make the final of the CIMB Kuala Lumpur Open Squash Championships which ended yesterday.

Nicol, seven consecutive world title winner and eight times Kuala Lumpur Open champion, failed to make the final after losing to England’s Laura Massaro in the semifinals.

“What happened in the Kuala Lumpur Open is disappointing. I will just go back to the drawing board … get cracking with the training and just make sure everything is in places and cover every angle possible,” she said after receiving RM100,000 as incentive from Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang (PBAPP), here yesterday.

Nicol, the country’s undisputed squash queen will start her preparations for the British
Open in Hull, England next month.

The Penang lass is expected to return to her training base in Amsterdam to continue her training before the tournament that is scheduled from May 20 to 26.

Speaking of Malaysia’s back up squad players, Nicol said though there was an eminent gap, the young players had improved tremendously.

“Players from Europe and Egypt have shown tremendous talent and potential so we need to compete with them. We can’t really push them.

“What we need to do is to nurture and encourage them because they can do well and let them keep moving to reach a higher level,” she said. — Bernama

WHERE’S NICOL?: Karim Darwish (left) and Alison Waters (right) pose with their trophies at the awards ceremony for the CIMB KL Open Squash Championship in Kuala Lumpur. — AFP photo

KUALA LUMPUR: England’s Laura Massaro stomped her supremacy to claim her maiden women’s CIMB Kuala Lumpur Open Squash Championships title, here, yesterday.

Laura, the competition’s third seed and world no.3, outclassed Alison Water in straight sets 11-9, 11-7, 11-6 in a lop-sided final that lasted just 44 minutes.

For her win, Laura pocketed US$10,200 (about RM31,500) and the coveted trophy while Alison took home US$6,900 (about RM18,720) for second spot.

“I am really happy with my performance this week. Initially I was trying to get past the quarters, having only ever made it to the semifinals, here before. Proud to have found my form but not sure where it has come from as I haven’t really been playing that well. So, I didn’t expect to play like that.

“I am glad to win the match after yesterday’s tough match against Nicol (David). It is really important for me to play well in the final. There’s a lot of pressure on myself,” the world no.3 told reporters.

In the men’s final earlier, top seed and world no. 6, Karim Darwish defeated his compatriot, Mohamed El Shorbagy in straight sets, 11-9, 12-10, 11-7 in a 54-minute encounter, to clinch his second KL Open title.

Today’s match was the repeat of the 2011 edition when Karim defeated Mohamed for his maiden KL Open title.

“I expected a tough match against him (Mohamed). He is currently number five in the world, so I have to be 100 per cent fit to beat him in just three sets,” said Karim, who has strong support from his family.

He added that his wife, Engy Kheirallah, a former Egypt women squash player and a 10-month old son, Omar, served a big morale boost for him to win.

“I am happy my son can watch me playing squash for the first time. I think my son is my lucky charm and I will bring him to wherever I go for competitions,” he quipped.

For his win, Karim pocketed US$8,075 (about RM25,000) and a trophy, while Mohamed took home US$5,525 (about RM17,000). — Bernama

Datuk Nicol David

KUALA LUMPUR: World number one Datuk Nicol David is all geared up to clinch her ninth CIMB Kuala Lumpur Open Squash championships title when the tournament gets underway from March 26 to 31.

In a statement issued by the Squash Rackets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) yesterday, Nicol who is also the defending champion, was among 15 top players in the world listed for the championships that will be held at the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil and Berjaya Times Square.

Among the notable names on the list was world number two Raneem El Weleily from Egypt who has beaten Nicol in two of their three meetings, recently.

Malaysia will also be banking on world number six Low Wee Wern who had shown a marked improvement last year and Delia Arnold who received a wild card ticket.

In the men’s category, Malaysia has lined up the experienced Ong Beng Hee (no 22), Muhd Asyraf Azan who received a wild card ticket and Mohd Nafiizwan Adnan who plays in the qualifying round.

The men’s category will feature four of the top 10 players in the world with Mohamed El Shorbagy from Egypt (no 5) instilled as the top seed, fellow countrymen

Karim Darwish (no 6), defending champion Omar Mosaad (no 9) and Borja Golan from Spain (no 10).

The qualifying and preliminary rounds will be held in Bukit Jalil while the quarter-finals, semifinals and finals will take place at Berjaya Times Squares.

Meanwhile, SRAM president Datuk Syed Mustaffa Syed Ali the championships which offers RM310,000 as prize money would be sponsored by CIMB Group, Berjaya

Times Square Berhad, Pizza Hut Restaurant Sdn Bhd and Astro Arena. — Bernama

He swept aside Negri Sembilan’s Kaydenn Keeshan Pragasam 3-0 (11-6, 11-4, 11-6) to lift the 1st leg title in the Under-9 category.

The second leg will be held in Malacca from March 14 to 17 with the Grand Finals scheduled from May 9 to 12 in Bukit Jalil.

“I may be the champion in the first leg but I hope to be able to do well in the 2nd leg and eventually the Grand Finals in order to make a name for myself in the squash fraternity,” the petite 9-year-old primary two pupil of SJK © Dung Sang said when interviewed.

More than 50 players from throughout the country took part in the four-day championship aimed at tapping the talented young players who would eventually be groomed to take over the mantle from the seniors.

Asked who his icons are, Chris immediately replied Malaysia’s squash queen Datuk Nicol David and World No. 4 Frenchman Gregory Gaultier.

“They are the best squash players in the world and I often watch them play during television live broadcast. Hopefully, I will be able to emulate them one day, so that I will also become as famous as them,” he said.

Chris took up the racquets at the tender age of six before he was discovered by the then Pakistani coach Shahid Aziz.

Since then, he had been training five days a week at the SMK Sacred Heart Squash Court, sparring with the senior players.

Currently, he trains under his new Pakistani coach Awais Amir and has improved on his hitting and retrieving skills.

In the recent Sarawak Schools Squash Championship held at SMK Sacred Heart, Chris competed in the U-12 category but he could not make his presence felt due to his tender age.

President of Squash Racquets Association of Sarawak Robert Lau Hui Yew described Chris’s performance at the recent CIMB RSNJS as spectacular, given the fact that he was up against some of the top young junior players in the country.

“He has a promising future and given proper exposure, he should be able to hog the limelight in due course,” he added.

Lau, however, cautioned of any burn-out, saying the young boy should not be put to any extreme test as he might find the pressure too hot to handle.

“There is reason that the boy will be better off if he is left on his own to pursue his favorite interest. So long as his passion for squash remains intact, he should be able to excel when the time comes,” he advised.

Lau said there was no shortcut to success and he believed Chris has the potential to be a champion, provided he got all the support and encouragement from his parents and coaches.

“He is definitely a potential champion in the making and, hopefully, he himself will keep the passion burning so that his love for squash will not diminish. Only with persistence, passion and interest in the sport will Chris move ahead,” he said.

DARING TO DREAM: Promising players posing with Lau (second left) after the prize giving ceremony of the Sarawak Schools Squash Championship U-18 category. Looking on from left are SMK Sacred Heart principal Stephen Tan and Lim Chun Len, Head of Resource Department of Sibu Education.

President of Sarawak Squash Association Robert Lau Hui Yew was all smiles when he talked about the increasing number of players taking up competitive squash these days.

“As the number of players increased, naturally standards also rise. This certainly augurs well for the development of squash in the state,” he said.

Lau revealed that there were so many good players that the association had to allocate which players to join which competition.

Among the many tournaments lined up, Lau highlighted the CIMB Rising Star National Junior Circuit, CIMB National Junior Circuit, Sarawak Circuit, the 9th National Junior Championship 2013 in July, the Milo All Star 2013 in May, Penang Junior Open in June, the 14th Ong Beng Hee/Nicol David Challenge Trophies 2013 in October and the BUFF Singapore Junior Open 2013 in December.

Lau added that it was unlike the older days when players had to be coaxed to take up the game, with some of them selected to play in most of the tournaments.

“We have the state, national and even international tournaments to keep the players busy all year round.

“That is one thing good in squash as this keeps the players from around the world in close contact,” he explained

Last year, he said that players who went to Singapore met new friends from Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan. In local competitions, they get to meet peers from different races.

“This is truly one sport that promotes the 1Malaysia spirit and promotes our Malaysian identity,” Lau observed.

He cited the example of Sarawak’s very own Sanya Singh Chal who used to play at state-level championships.

“He is the country’s top junior player now currently playing at the 16th Asian Junior team squash championship in South Korea,” he said.

“If you dare to dream big, yes, dreams do come true. Enjoy your game in squash and there is always a possibility that you will achieve your dreams,” Lau concluded.

Speaking at the closing of the three-day Sarawak Schools Squash Championship held at SMK Sacred Heart yesterday, Lim said a player must be agile and have a strategic thinking mind in order to study the weaknesses of his opponent.

“In order to play smart, you must be skillful to play an accurate game and anticipate the movements of your opponent…if your opponent makes you run, you must also make him run and this is what we call strategic thinking,” he explained.

On stamina, Lim said: “It will be up to no good if you play like a tiger in the first and second rounds but running out of steam in the eighth or ninth round. That will not bring you anywhere.”

As for the fighting spirit, he said that remained the most lethal weapon in all sports.

“Never give up in your pursuit for glory. Remember, when you are very weak, your opponent will be as weak as you are. So if you persevere, there is always a chance for you to emerge the winner,” he said while thanking Sarawak Squash Association president, Robert Lau Hui Yew for promoting squash among the locals particularly the youngsters.

“So long as the players can continue to play well, I believe Lau will also be more than willing to offer financial help to ensure the development of squash is given full attention,” he enthused.

He also stressed the importance of parents’ support and the guidance of coaches in promoting the game.

Lim also mentioned the pivotal role played by Sibu Squash Association in getting the game to grow, noting that SMK Sacred Heart had been the venue for Sarawak Schools squash championships for six consecutive years.

He, however, said it was sad that only three teams were competing in this year’s competition.

Datuk Nicol David

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian squash queen and world number one Datuk Nicol David failed to retain her Cleveland Classic title after losing to world number two, Raneem El Weleily of Egypt in the final on Tuesday.

According to the squash website, www.squashsite.co.uk, the Malaysian went down in a gruelling five-setter that was held at the Cleveland Racquet Club in Ohio, United States.

Nicol won the first game 11-3 but the 24-year old Egyptian who was also the second seed, bounced back in the second set to win 11-5.

The third game was a close fight and the Malaysian came out top by winning 11-9 before El Weleily came alive again in the fourth and decider to register 11-5 and 11-9 win scores.

Meanwhile, Nicol in her twitter said she was satisfied with her performance although she lost to the top Egyptian player.

“Raneem took this one today in the final after a brutal 3-2 match. A great week in Cleveland and will have to come back next year,” said Nicol. — Bernama

According to a squash website, www.squashsite.co.uk, the 29-year-old Nicol defeated Wee Wern in straight set 12-10, 11-6 and 11-9 in the quarterfinals held at the Cleveland Racquet Club in Ohio, United States.

Malaysia’s number two Wee Wern entered the quarterfinals after defeating Rachael Grinham of Australia in straight set of 11-4, 11-4 and 11-6 on Saturday. Nicol will be meeting Ireland’s Madeline Perry, who defeated fourth seed Joelle King of New Zealand 3-11, 11-7, 7-11, 11-3 and 11-5, in tomorrow’s semi- finals. — Bernama

THE WINNER: The winners of yesterday’s Under 18 MSSM Kuching Inter-School Squash Championship posing with the officials and organisers after the prize presentation. They will represent Kuching in the coming MSSM Inter-Division Squash Championship to be held in Sibu from Feb 20-22. — Photo by Chai Chang Yu

KUCHING: SMK St Joseph and SMK St Teresa dominated the Under 18 MSSM Kuching Inter-School Squash Championship after bagging the top four spots of the boys and girls events respectively.

In the Boys Under 19 final, Samuel Law defeated Johnathan Lee 3-0 (11-7, 11-8, 11-7) while Alfred Tan finished third after beating Leong Shay Yie also by 3-0 (11-2, 11-6,11-8) at SMK St Joseph yesterday.

The Boys Under 15 title was won by Denhalm Tan of SMK Kuching High who edged SMK Padungan’s Bryan Tan 3-2 (7-11, 11-8, 6-11, 11-6, 11-9) in the final.

Third was Putera Farrock from Tunku Putra International School who defeated Marcus Goh of Lodge Secondary School 3-0 (12-10, 11-9, 12-10) in the play-off match.

Pricilla Chai overcame the challenge from Rachel Phan in an all-SMK St Teresa final to win 3-1 (11-4, 10-12, 11-3, 11-9) while Aqeelah beat Nur Shamira 3-0 (11-3, 11-8, 11-6) in the play-off for third/fourth placings.

The Girls Under 15 final saw Lauren Brodie of SMK Batu Lintang easily defeated fellow teammate Nicole Tiong 3-0 (11-3, 11-4, 11-3).

Serena Tan was in third placing after beating teammate Sabrina Tan 3-0 (13-11, 11-8, 11-7) in the play-off for third and fourth spots.

Meanwhile, Hardie Daniel of SRK Green Road won the Boys Under 12 competition while the runner-up was Gregory Chai from Lodge Primary School.

Third and fourth were Kueh Jong Chan of Lodge Primary School and Clifford Thay from SJK Chung Hua No. 4 respectively.

The Girls Under 12 title went to Charlize Goh of Lodge Primary School while her teammate Zoe Ting finished in fourth place.

Second and third were Natalie Sim and Rachel Kong both from SJK Chung Hua No.4.

The top four winners of the categories competed will represent Kuching in the coming MSSM Inter-Division Squash Championship to be held at SMK Sacred Heart, Sibu from Feb 20-22 while the MSSM national championship will be held in Melaka in March.

It was Nicol’s second win in the World Series Finals.

The match was their second consecutive meet after the World Open championship in Cayman Islands last month.

Nicol started off her game brilliantly by controlling the first and second sets with 11-3 and 11-2.

The third set was more tense for both players compared to the first two sets in the game which took 37 minutes.

Although Laura conquered the first half of the third set, the world number one put up a strong challenge to seal the game with 11-9.

“In the third set, Laura was a bit aggressive but I was fortunate to win it 3-0,” said Nicol as interviewed by SkySport TV.– BERNAMA

Datuk Nicol Ann David

LONDON: Seven-time world champion Datuk Nicol David eased into the title match at the World Series Squash Finals on Saturday with an 11-5, 11-8 win over France’s Camille Serme.

The world number one, who won the tournament in 2012, will face England’s Laura Massaro in Sunday’s final in a repeat of the pair’s World Open final showdown won by the Malaysian star in the Cayman Islands last month.

Massaro overcame compatriot Jenny Duncalf 6-11, 11-8, 11-9 in her semi-final.

“In our pool match, Laura was playing better on the day. She’s a tough player but I just know that as the week develops you feel better and better,” said Nicol, who had been surprisingly beaten by Massaro in a round-robin match on Thursday.

“I’m looking forward to playing the final and putting it all out there.”

In the men’s event, England’s Nick Matthew was facing French world number four Gregory Gaultier in his semi-final while James Willstrop takes on Egypt’s Amr Shabana. — AFP

The Malaysian star’s round-robin stage win came just a day after she had suffered a shock 12-10, 11-9 loss to England’s Laura Massaro, the woman she defeated in the World Open final last month.

World number one Nicol was to play France’s Camille Serme in yesterday’s semi-finals at London’s Queen’s Club. Serme made the last four despite losing 11-8, 11-6 to world number two Raneem El Weleily on Friday.

England duo Massaro and Jenny Duncalf were to meet in the other semi-final. — AFP

In the final Group A match, the seven-time world champion took only 19 minutes to outclass Natalie Grinham 11-4 and 11-8.

In her quest for her second World Series title, Nicol, 29, has earned two wins and suffered a loss to homester, Laura Massaro in yesterday’s group match.– Bernama

The Malaysian heroine’s 11-6 11-8 11-6 victory silenced critics who had suggested younger rivals were closing the gap on the 29-year-old champion. Massaro forced many long rallies and even led 7-5 in the second game, but David responded well to the important moments which followed.

She mixed containment with well-timed drops and lightning-quick changes of direction that prevented her opponent from getting a crucial foothold in the match.

The outcome was that David only dropped one game throughout the entire tournament, but she had to focus harder and for longer in the final than in any of her four other encounters.

Her relief and joy at surviving the perpetual pressure of expectations yet again was smilingly obvious.

She held her head in both hands, then placed her hands high on the court, and finally caressed the ball affectionately against a wall before allowing herself to accept that no more was required of her racket.

Then her words reflected the frequent struggle between doubt and self-confidence.

“I can’t believe it,” she said. “I just can’t believe it.

“I am just so pleased with my match. Laura pushed me every point. There was no point where I could let up because she was just on it every point. She played a very good match.”

David knew the danger well as Massaro is one of the few players to have beaten her twice. However, she did so last year and, although the challenger has improved further since then, the champion at her best has too, perhaps just as much. — AFP

Two of the most crucial moments came when David got back to 7-7 in the pivotal middle game and then nosed ahead to 8-7 with a disputed point.

The levelling rally saw brilliantly nimble retrieves from David, plus some patient backhand wall straight driving with a tight little backhand drop to finish it.

That was followed in the next rally by a marginally mistimed backhand drive by Massaro, which caused the ball to come away from the wall and resulted in her slightly impeding David.

A penalty stroke was awarded, Massaro’s video review appeal failing to get the decision overturned.

David pushed hard to capitalise, offered a rare fist pump when she broke through to a two-game lead, and was quickly five points up in the third and motoring away.

“I am a little bit disappointed with that,” said Massaro, who had saved a match point in a long and hard semi-final with Raneem El Weleily, the second-seeded Egyptian, and may have paid a price in the third game of the final.

“It was just a few points here and there and that’s all the difference,” she said. “The middle of the games were so crucial and that’s what I have to work on.

“It’s still pretty rare that she is beaten. We are still training hard and improving and she’s rising to the challenge.”

To do that well as she moves through her 30th year, David may need to select peaks more carefully for the tournaments she really wants to win.

But at her best, she is still too fine an athlete and too steady a rallyer for everyone, even during her moments of doubt. Her high profile among the all-time greats is likely to rise yet further. — AFP

EYE ON THE BALL: Nicol David of Malaysia (right) competes in the women’s final against Laura Massaro of England at the Australian Open squash tournament in Canberra, in this August 19 file photo. Nicol David beat Massaro 17-15, 11-2, 11-6. — AFP photo

KUALA LUMPUR: World number one Datuk Nicol David stayed on course for her seventh Women’s World Open squash title after defeating England’s Jenny Duncalf to reach the final.

Nicol, 29, who has won six World Open titles, needed only 37 minutes to beat Jenny in straight sets 11-7, 11-4, 11-2 at the glass court mounted at Camana Bay in Cayman Islands, on Thursday.

“Jenny was playing some great shots at the start. I just couldn’t tell where the ball was going next and I wasn’t able to play my own game.

“I really had to up my game to stay in it and thankfully I got it all together as the match wore on,” said Nicol as quoted in the competition official website, www.worldopen.squash.com.

Nicol will be meeting world number three, Laura Massaro of England in the final tomorrow.

“It is great to be in another final here, especially the World Open. Laura and I both know we have to step up our game for tomorrow, so it should be a great battle,” said Nicol.

Their last meeting in a final match this year was at the Australian Open on Aug 19, where Nicol won the title for the second time.

Meanwhile, Laura booked her berth in the final after defeating second-seed Raneem El Weleily of Egypt in a gruelling five-set encounter which lasted for an hour and nine minutes before emerging victorious with 5-11, 11-9, 12-14, 11-4 and 13-11. — Bernama

In the competition held at the Camana Bay in Cayman Islands on Wednesday, the world number one outclassed Ireland’s Madeline Perry, 11-3, 11-7, 9-11, 11-3 in 51 minutes.

According to the competition official website, www.worldopensquash.com, Nicol will play England’s Jenny Duncalf in the semi-finals today.

Jenny had defeated her compatriot, Alison Waters in a gruelling five-set match which lasted for an hour and 17 minutes before coming out victorious on 7-11, 17-19, 11-5, 11-4 and 11-9.

The other semi-final match will be between Egypt’s Raneem El Weleily and England’s Laura Massaro.

Raneem booked her berth when she beat Netherland’s Natalie Grinham in straight sets of 11-9, 11-9, 11-7 in just 26 minutes, while Laura defeated Malaysia’s Low Wee Wern 8-11, 11-4, 11-5 and 11-5 in 45 minutes. — Bernama