Nicol and Beng Hee create history in KL Open

KUALA LUMPUR: It was the first time since the inception of the Kuala Lumpur Open squash championships in 1999 that Malaysia won both the men's and women’s titles. 

World No. 1 Nicol David lifted her fifth title with an easy 9-4, 9-2, 9-2 win over world number two Natalie Grinham of Holland in the final on Saturday. Her previous triumphs were in 2000, 2002, 2005 and 2007. 

Four-time Asian champion Ong Beng Hee, meanwhile, bagged the title for the first time, defeating team-mate Mohd Azlan Iskandar 11-8, 15-13, 12-10 in a thrilling final. It was sweet revenge for the 28-year-old over Azlan, whom he lost to in the final of the Asian Championships in Kuwait last month. 

The victory for Beng Hee also ended his 28-month title drought. His previous success in a Professional Squash Association (PSA) tournament was the Malaysian Open in November 2005. 

Beng Hee will now be eyeing to bag the Malaysian Open title as well in July. Last year Azlan and Nicol won the titles. 

Of the double in the KL Open, Nicol said: “It will definitely help develop the sport in the country. It was also marvellous to see a big turnout of fans to support us even though the finals were held on election day.”