Nicol backs UM for varsity games

KUALA LUMPUR: World No. 1 Nicol David hopes that Universiti Malaya (UM) will take up the challenge of hosting the World University Games in 2016.

Malaysia has been named as the host for squash in the 2016 World University Games and Nicol is hoping that the UM, which has up to eight courts, will take the initiative to organise the event.

“It’s great that Malaysia will host the squash event ... I’m definitely hoping that UM will host it,” said the seven-time world champion during a squash clinic, organised by the Sharon Wee Squash Pro Academy, at the varsity on Saturday.

“It’s also great to see Sharon doing such a great job promoting the game at this level .. it’s really nice to see a turnout of at least 300 people.”

The world No. 1, who failed in her bid to add a record eighth world title after falling in the semi-finals to Egypt’s Nour El Sherbini in the 29th Women’s World Championship in Penang last week, is looking forward to getting down to some serious training back in Amsterdam.

“I’m definitely looking forward to Amsterdam once more, where I can work with my coach Liz (Irving),” said Nicol, who will leave for the Dutch capital on Monday.

“It was hard losing in Penang ... but these things happen. Now, the next step for me is to tap into my defeat, analyse what went wrong and try to do better next time.

“My next tournament will be the British Open (May 10-18), so it’s definitely going to be helpful going back to Amsterdam to work on my game.”

Nicol is a four-time British Open champion, having won in 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2012. She lost to England’s world No. 2 Laura Massaro in last year’s final.

And Massaro, who was crowned world champion in Penang, will again stand in Nicol’s way at the prestigious British meet.