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Wednesday October 19, 2005

Nicol gets into prestigious tournament’s Hall of Fame

BY S. SIVABALAN

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia's Nicol David has completed her conquest in the prestigious British Open squash championships.

A winner in all the age-group tournaments of the championships, Nicol claimed the women’s crown in style at the National Squash Centre in Manchester on Monday night.

The 22-year-old Nicol defeated Australian Natalie Grinham 9-6, 9-7, 9-6 in the final, which lasted 55 minutes. It was her eighth title on the Women's International Squash Players' Association (Wispa) circuit since turning professional in 2000.

Nicol made a stunning entry into the British Open in 1996, winning the girl’s Under-14 crown. She retained the title the following year and went on to claim the Under-16 title in 1998. Early in 1999, she emerged as the Under-17 champion and at the end of the year, took the Under-19 title.

British Open: 2005 Dunlop British Open Squash, Manchester. Final 17/10/05. Nicol Davi of Malaysia (left) attempts to return a shot to Natalie Grinham in the final. Nicol won 9-6, 9-7, 9-6.
Her success in winning the senior title will put her in the championships' Hall of Fame alongside the legendary players of the game, including Australians Heather McKay and Michelle Martin and New Zealand's Susan Devoy.

“Since I was young, it was always my aim to win the British Open. I consider it the most prestigious tournament of them all because of the long history since 1922,” said Nicol in a telphone interview from Manchester yesterday.

“So many great players have won it before. It really is a big honour to be able to ink my name alongside these great champions.

“I had pushed myself all along, giving it my all. I didn't come here expecting to win and every round was tough.

“It has been a crazy experience all week. I learned so much, going past the first round, past the quarter-finals, past Rachael (Grinham, the world number one) in the semis and winning the title ... I can't believe it.

“I am already so happy even though the win has not sunk in yet. When it does, the feeling will be even better.”

The third seeded Nicol began her campaign with a comfortable 9-5, 9-1, 9-4 win over Shelley Kitchen of New Zealand.

Then a tough quarter-final match against sixth seed Vicky Botwright of England, coming back from two games down to win 8-10, 7-9, 9-1, 9-1, 9-2.

It was another five-set battle for Nicol against top seed Rachael, winning 3-9, 9-7, 7-9, 9-4, 9-1 to reach the final.

And she gave an awesome display in the final against Natalie, the younger sister of Rachael, to lift the title.

“I really had to work hard from the first game against Natalie. She gets everything back. I needed to keep my discipline to put the pressure on,” said Nicol.

A disappointed Natalie told www.squashsite.co.uk: “I am not sure what happened. I know that I didn't let go.

“But I just couldn't stop her. Even when I got her out of position, the ball would still be coming back.”

WHEN SHE WON THE JUNIOR TITLES

Under-14: 1996, 1997

Under-16: 1998

Under-17: 1999 (Jan)

Under-19: 1999 (Dec)

HOW SHE WAS CROWNED QUEEN

1st round: Beat Shelley Kitchen (Nzl)

9-5, 9-1, 9-4

Q-finals: Beat Vicky Botwright (Eng)

8-10, 7-9, 9-1, 9-1, 9-2

S-finals: Beat Rachael Grinham (Aus)

3-9, 9-7, 7-9, 9-4, 9-1

Final: Beat Natalie Grinham (Aus)

9-6, 9-7, 9-6

Related Stories:
Family stays up late to share in the joy
Her best is yet to come, says coach Irving
Let’s see how it goes before World Open, says Nicol

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