Turning back time at Berjaya Times Square KL
Posted on 23. Mar, 2010 by Nicol David in Nicol David, The Stars
Time flies when you’re having fun with squash. It felt like I was at the Berjaya Times Square playing the K.L. Open only a few months ago but it’s been a year already. Lessons learned since my last encounter here in this venue and I was certainly looking to go for it this time around.
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.
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