All who have followed the live chats during the tournament must have had a clear idea of what was going on throughout the week but this is just me giving a little insight from inside the court.

Round 1

Started at Bukit Jalil with Jaclyn Hawkes on the side courts after Delia Arnold and Alison Waters’ monster match. Both of us were eager to get going, working the rallies mostly to the back. Neither of us wanting to step away from the middle of the court and were trying to move each other out of position. The first two games were close throughout but I stepped up a little more in the third and got more control on the ball to win the match.

Quarter Finals

After my win in Chennai against Kasey Brown, I knew she wasn’t going to let up this time. She imposed her game right from the word “go”. We kept to every rally with high pace hitting and the first two games went into tie breakers. I managed to stay with her til I won those games. By the third game, I gave it another big push and she made a few mistakes from some outstretched positions, which got me a lead and a win.

Semi Finals

I knew Alison Waters had two 5 setters before this match but there’s no stopping her when she’s on a roll. That made me more aware to get my act together during this match. Each rally was tough but it worked out well for me as the intensity increased constantly. My movements and shots were in sync and I was very pleased with the outcome of the match, beating her in straight games.

Finals

This match up with Omneya Abdel Kawy is the second time we’ve met in the finals since the Hong Kong Open. She is up for anything and I was gunning for it too. The crowd was roaring more than I’ve ever imagined it. She didn’t quite get into her game and went for a couple of shots that hit the tin. I took the advantage and got through the first two games, keeping a steady game plan. In the third game she may have relaxed and went for more shots especially when I was 10-7 match ball up. She had nothing to lose and managed to equal it 10-10. The next couple of rallies were intense and a very late call from the referees against her got me to another match ball position. The last rally, I made a final drive down the line to win the title.

Overjoyed by my second title of the year and winning this K.L. Open title back has a special feeling to top it all. Thank you for following us at SquashStars’ live chat sessions throughout the tournament and for supporting me always!

Next up, Manchester Invitational Doubles at the end of the month partnering Ong Beng Hee in the Mixed Doubles in preparation for the Commonwealth Games. Should be a sight to see!

Nicol & Omneya at the prize giving ceremony.

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!