Sherbini takes down Kasey in Penang

Egyptian Nour El Sherbini (left) returning a shot to Kasey Brown of Australia in the Women’s World Squash Championship first round. Sherbini won the match 12-10, 12-10, 8-11, 11-5.

GEORGE TOWN: Egyptian Nour El Sherbini is happy to play the role of giant-killer at the 29th Women’s World Squash Championship 2013.

The 18-year-old became the first player to knock out a seed in the competition after overcoming 12th seed Kasey Brown of Australia 12-10, 12-10, 8-11, 11-5 in her first round match on Tuesday.

Immediately after her win, Sherbini expressed her readiness to oust world No. 4 Alison Waters of England in the second round on Thursday.

The three-time world junior champion was touted as the next Nicol David after making a meteoric rise to be among the top four players in the world in 2012. However, the teenager’s rankings dropped to No. 27 after sitting out the entire second half of 2013 through a leg injury.

“I only returned to action in January but struggled to regain my pre-injury form. It is only now that I feel I am nearing my best form,” said Sherbini after defeating Brown.

“I think I played well against Kasey. Although I am not seeded here in Penang, I feel I am capable of challenging the top players.”

The Egyptian, who won the world junior titles in 2009, 2010 and 2013, is now eyeing Waters’ scalp.

“I lost in all my three appearances against Alison before this but all were narrow five-game defeats. I am confident of putting up another tough fight on Thursday. If I can overcome Alison, I believe that I can go all the way in the tournament,” said Sherbini.

“I have always performed well when playing in Malaysia and I hope I can continue the good streak in the world meet this week.”

The winner of the Sherbini-Waters match-up will likely go up against New Zealand’s Joelle King, the fifth seed, in the quarter-finals.