PETALING JAYA: Eight-time world champion Nicol David’s last hurrah at the World Championships came to an end in the third round.
The 35-year-old, who will call time on her record-breaking career at the end of the 2018-2019 Professional Squash Association season in June, went down to world No. 5 Camille Serme of France 11-9, 4-11, 4-11, 5-11 in Chicago yesterday.
After having won their first 12 meetings, it was the Penangite’s third straight loss to the 29-year-old Serme.
“The first game was really crucial for me to get in the groove and to get a game against Camille,” said Nicol.
“I just wanted to work it as hard as I could but when you force it a bit too much, it was just more predictable and Camille was getting to all the shots and playing really good squash.
“With my last time here, I gave it my all and I’ll take what I got and thank you to the crowd for cheering me on.”
She also recalled her last World Championships which she won in Cairo, Egypt, in 2014 as being her best.
“All the world titles I’ve won have a special meaning to me.
“The last one playing against Raneem El Weleily coming back from four match points was a real battle for me and one that I will always take to heart.”
Serme said she is honoured to play against a squash legend.
“It feels a bit strange to be honest because she has beaten me so many times before and of course, she’s a legend and it’s very special to take her on in her last match at the World Championships.
“She’s such a fighter and even in the last game when I was 6-4 up and I had really good length, she kept on fighting and I thought she could come back so I had to push really hard.
“She used to be called Duracell because she was so physically strong and keeps on going.
“Nicol is also a fair player. She never cheats and she’ll credit you when you make a good shot and it’s just so enjoyable to play against her.”
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