Nicol’s feeling the heat ahead of World meet

GEORGE TOWN: Malaysian squash queen Nicol David acknowledged that it is getting pretty crowded at the top and she is finding it tough to maintain her position at the summit of the world squash rankings.

Nicol, who is in her hometown Penang to gun for a record eighth world title when the 29th Women’s World Squash Championship 2013 gets under way at the SPICE Arena on Tuesday, has been the world No. 1 since August 2006.

However, Nicol, who turns 31 in August, feels that she is facing a tough challenge keeping the chasing pack at bay.

“There is nothing much to separate the present top 10 players and the gap is getting closer. Any one (from the top 10) is capable of beating another top 10 player. I have to be really focused in Penang as everyone is out to get me,” said Nicol, who opens her title defence against England’s Emma Beddoes in the first round on Tuesday.

“I am 30 now and the sport is very demanding. I have to pay extra attention to my recovery and preparation for each match. I’m not pushing my body too much now in training compared to when I was younger.

“My aim is to be able to compete at the highest level for the next five years. A lot of it will depend on how my body copes with the demands, but even if I am not the No. 1, I intend to work hard and ensure I can challenge the best players during that period.”

All the top players in the world are in Penang, including England duo Laura Massaro (world No. 2) and Alison Waters (No. 4) and Egypt’s Raneem El Welily (No. 3).

But once the tournament starts, all eyes will be on home girl Nicol to march towards her eighth world title. She has previously been crowned world champion in 2005, 2006 and 2008-2012.

She last played in Penang during her victorious campaign in the 2011 Asian Individual Championships. She had also won the second of her back-to-back world junior title in Penang in 2001.

“I am thrilled to be back in action in Penang to play not just another tourney, but the world championship. I cannot ask for more than this,” said Nicol.

“The organisers and sponsors have done a wonderful job in building up the hype for the world meet and I know that everyone expects me to do well here. There has always been pressure whenever I play in Malaysia, but I have coped with it well in Kuala Lumpur (in the Malaysian and KL Opens) and I will enjoy playing in Penang. I know what I am capable of and will do my best to win here.”

Nicol is one of three Malaysians – all Penangites – in the main draw for the world meet. The other two are world No. 7 Low Wee Wern and Asian Youth Games gold medallist Vanessa Raj, who received a wildcard entry.

“I’m impressed with Wee Wern’s progress to break into the top 10 through sheer hard work. She is only 23 and has already proven that she can match the top players by entering two world championship quarter-finals. I believe she can go further in the sport.

“The secret to Penang producing world class squash players is down to several factors like the upbringing, family support, a close-knit squash community that helps each other and, of course, our famous food!”

The Star is the official media for the 29th World Women’s Squash Championship.