Datuk Nicol David
MELBOURNE: Defending champion and world number one Malaysian Datuk Nicol David and the woman she beat in the final of last year’s Australian Open, Jenny Duncalf, will both play qualifiers in the first round of this year’s tournament.
The women’s draw for the 2012 Australian Open in Canberra from Aug 13 to 19 was made on the weekend, with five of the top eight seeds drawn to play qualifiers in the opening round.
Third-seeded Englishwoman Laura Massaro, former champion and fifth seed Annie Au of Hongkong and sixth-ranked Frenchwoman Camille Serme will also take on qualifiers.
Australia’s Rachael Grinham, the seventh seed, takes on South African Siyoli Waters, ahead of a possible clash against fellow Aussie Donna Urquhart in the second round, while eighth-ranked Kasey Brown faces Denmark’s Line Hansen. Madeline Perry, the 2010 champion and fourth seed, will take on Malaysian Siti Munirah Jusoh and 2009 winner Joelle King of New Zealand also has drawn a qualifier.
Melbourne’s Melody Francis plays 10th-seeded Malaysian Low Wee Wern while Canberra wildcard Christine Nunn faces Indian number one Dipika Pallikal. — Bernama