It was good to see familiar faces and to be back in the competitive scene at my very first tournament of the year. Everyone was ready to step on court to get the ball rolling in the new tournament addition to the WISPA calendar.

The squash players were put up at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel where we were treated like royalty the moment we set foot in the hotel. Their staff greeted us with such warmth and looked after our every need—you can truly sense their genuine hospitality.

The tournament was held at the Indian Squash Academy by the Squash Rackets Federation of India. The academy boasts their very own 4-glass-wall show court and 7 courts with moveable walls to convert into doubles courts. A very impressive venue and a striving squash academy.

The Malaysian team and Sam at the Indian Squash Academy

Here are my personal reflections on all the games I played at the Chennai Open:

Round 1 Playing Dipika Pallikal from India in Chennai on the show court was an attraction for the local supporters coming to cheer for their local hero. The crowd was getting into the match and Dipika was stepping up her game right through. I stayed with my game plan and kept it going at my own pace. She gave her best performance and I had to work to win the match 3-0.

Quarter Finals After training with Samantha Teran in Amsterdam before this tournament, I was drawn to meet her here in the quarter finals. There were moments at the end of the first and third game where the scores were close between us but I made sure to focus well at the crucial points. She made a few errors and I clinched victory in the end.

Semi Finals I had to play Kasey Brown in the semis. It was her first time stepping onto the glass court while I had 2 matches here already. I felt more comfortable with the conditions and started off strong from the start of the match. She was still working her way into the match and I wanted to keep the intensity going. My movements worked well and a few unforced errors on her part gave me a good run throughout the match.

Finals  It’s another match up against Jenny Duncalf but this time, in the finals. I was glad to be in the finals and gave it my best shot. There were some solid rallies and both of us were trying to put the ball away at every opportunity possible. Some of Jenny’s shots just missed and hit the tin. At times I took my chances and it went my way. I was pleased with my focus and performance overall.

Most of the Malaysian squash players were still around supporting Ong Beng Hee and I when we won our individual titles. It was a nice ending to the Chennai Open.

Looking forward to the KL Open now… it’s good to be home.

My first Chennai Open Trophy

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Chennai Champs! Ong Beng Hee and Nicol David.

It was indeed sweet victory for Malaysian Squash as Nicol Ann David and Ong Beng Hee both clinched the championship titles last night in one of India’s busiest cities, Chennai.

It was especially sweet for our Squash Stars Ambassador and founder, as she had struggled and lost against Jenny Duncalf in their previous two meetings. So to come out victorious in this one really meant a lot to her. Here is a summary of Nicol’s journey to the finals in the gold-class Chennai Open:

First round: Dipika Pallikal (IND) (Qualifier)

Score:  11/6, 11/9, 11/5 (30 minutes)

Despite the late arrival of her squash bags from the airlines, Nicol jumped into court against India’s young and upcoming Dipika Pallikal and won it with ease. It took her only 6 minutes to take the first set away from Dipika! However, let it be known that Dipika Pallikal wins the prize for keeping the squash queen on court for the longest period in this tournament—30 minutes!

Quarters: Samantha Teran (MEX) (8)

Score: 11-9. 11-4, 12-10 (28 minutes)

In the quarters, Nicol trailed a little in the beginning before picking up speed and proceeded in the same lightning fashion by beating Squash Stars compatriot Samantha Teran of Mexico. We must say that Sam has been playing very well and it is a shame to see her exit so early in this tournament.

Semi Finals: Kasey Brown (AUS) (7)

Score: 11-2, 11-4, 11-4 (23 minutes)

After a great game with Sam, Nicol sped things up even more (we didn’t think it would be possible) by dispatching Kasey in only 23 minutes! Nicol’s efforts in the recent Australian summer with squash greats—Sarah Fitzgerald and Vicki Cardwell is definitely paying off big time.

Finals: Jenny Duncalf (ENG) (2)

Score: 11/6, 11/4, 11/6 (25 minutes)

Everyone definitely anticipated a much longer game, however Nicol who had been impatient to meet Jenny all week came out with aggressive attacking shots and kept Jenny pinned to her rhythm. It is definitely a sweet victory for the queen of squash.

Congratulations, Nicol!

Next up is the CIMB KL OPEN 2010 in Malaysia. Look forward to more updates from us at Squash Stars!

Expect to witness a fierce battle from the best players.

In an exciting Asian development for the WISPA World Tour, the Women’s Chennai Open has been upgraded in its second year to WISPA Gold level.

The $53,500 championship will be played at the Indian Squash Academy, under the auspices of the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI), from 2-7 March.

With the Indian capital of Delhi hosting the Asian Squash Championships in April, followed by the Commonwealth Games in October as well as several other squash Tour events, the country will become a regular stop for a number of players this year.

Welcoming the event, WISPA Chief Executive Andrew Shelley said: “It is great for our Tour that we are able to take the lead in this SRFI initiative. And with the Gold level CIMB KL Open in Malaysia later in March this Asian event cluster will be the centrepiece of a month to relish on our growing Tour.

“The Chennai Open is sure to receive a top drawer entry, and indeed world number one Nicol David, from Malaysia, is already a confirmed entry,” added Shelley.

The WISPA event leads a festival that also features a $25,000 PSA event and will be immediately followed by the Chennai Open Doubles from 8-11 March, boasting a $15,000 prize fund.