Nicol eager to win singles and doubles gold medals

Nicol David (left) will be out to win Malaysia

PETALING JAYA: Four years ago, Nicol David completed her collection of major titles by the winning the Commonwealth Games gold in New Delhi.

Now the undisputed seven-time world champion is looking to add yet another gold to her trophy cabinet when she leads Malaysia’s challenge in next week’s Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

As world No. 1, Nicol is the favourite to retain the gold but she can expect stiff competition from Alison Waters (No. 3) and Laura Massaro (No. 2) of England.

But Nicol is on a high, having won her last tournament at the British Open in May. The 30-year-old Penangite comprehensively defeated world champion Massaro to emerge winner for the fifth time.

“Winning the British Open was a great feeling because of its prestige. I really wanted to get the title back (she last won the title in 2012) and it was tough as Laura was playing superb squash,” said Nicol.

“It is going to be very similar in terms of intensity in Glasgow. I believe everyone will be gunning for the gold too,” she added.

Nicol will also be out to win Malaysia’s first medal in the women’s doubles with national No. 2 Low Wee Wern. The pair are seeded fourth.

“It is tougher in the doubles. We have to adjust our playing style as the court is wider. At the end of the day, it’s down to us to do what needs to be done,” said Nicol.

“I think Wee Wern is a good partner because she is solid and she just keeps going. She will do her part well and I just need to reduce the mistakes I make,” she added.

The other Malaysian women for the Games are Delia Arnold, Rachel Arnold and Vanessa Raj. In the men’s category, Malaysia are represented by Ong Beng Hee, Mohd Nafiizwan Adnan, Ivan Yuen and Valentino Bon Jovi Bong.