Datuk Nicol David hits a return during her women’s squash singles final against England’s Laura Massaro. — Bernama photo
Malaysia’s squash queen and world number one Datuk Nicol David put on another “A-game” to successfully defend her title and contribute Malaysia’s second gold medal of the 20th Commonwealth Games.
It was also Nicol’s second gold medal since her participation in the Commonwealth Games.
“It is great to win the Commonwealth Games medal once again. And, it is even a greater feeling to contribute Malaysia’s second gold medal in this year’s Games. To actually win it for the second time is such an amazing feat.
“It’s such a high being at the Commonwealth Games. It’s the pinnacle of any squash multi-sport game to win this gold,” said the 30-year-old world champion.
In the final, Nicol defeated arch rival and world number two, Laura Massaro of England in straight sets, 12-10, 11-2, 11-5 in a tense 44-minute match held at the Scotstoun Sports Campus.
“As expected it was a very tense match against Laura. She is a tough contender. The first game was very crucial but although I won it 12-10, I had to push myself in the second and third games. I had to make sure I took control of the game and avoid mistakes,” said Nicol.
In the first game, Laura took control of the early proceedings but Nicol managed to make amends for her earlier mistakes and fought back to pinch it at 12-10.
Nicol played some brilliant shots and displayed her “A- game” in the next two games to breeze through 11-2 and 11-5.
The bronze medal for the women’s squash singles event went to New Zealand’s Joelle King who defeated Alison Waters of England 11-7, 11-7, 11-5. — Bernama