David reclaims squash world title

MANCHESTER – Nicol David, who has become one of the most honoured squash players of all time, completed the recapture of both major titles by winning the World Open for a third time on Sunday.

David beat surprise finalist Vicky Botwright of Britain 5-11 11-1 11-6 11-9 with a performance of great variety and tenacity, to regain a title she lost in Madrid a year ago. It followed her recapture of the British Open in Liverpool in May and was a fitting sequel to a phase of her life in which she has been given the Order of Merit and awarded the title of Datuk – two of Malaysia’s most prestigious awards.”It felt so different because I lost it last time, but I learnt so much in defeat,” said the 25-year-old Malaysian, who has been world number one for more than two years and also been made Asian sportswoman of the year.”It’s wonderful what’s happened, but I have so many mixed emotions that I’m a bit stunned.I’m not sure what I feel,” added David, who has now won the world title three times in four years.There was a new champion in the men’s event when Ramy Ashour, who won the Super Series title here last year, succeeded his Egyptian compatriot Amr Shabana.The 21-year-old, who eliminated the top-seeded title holder in the semi-finals, overcame another Egyptian, Karim Darwish, 5-11 11-8 11-4 11-5 thanks partly to his increasing capacity for finishing rallies off in the front court.Nampa-ReutersIt followed her recapture of the British Open in Liverpool in May and was a fitting sequel to a phase of her life in which she has been given the Order of Merit and awarded the title of Datuk – two of Malaysia’s most prestigious awards.”It felt so different because I lost it last time, but I learnt so much in defeat,” said the 25-year-old Malaysian, who has been world number one for more than two years and also been made Asian sportswoman of the year.”It’s wonderful what’s happened, but I have so many mixed emotions that I’m a bit stunned.I’m not sure what I feel,” added David, who has now won the world title three times in four years.There was a new champion in the men’s event when Ramy Ashour, who won the Super Series title here last year, succeeded his Egyptian compatriot Amr Shabana.The 21-year-old, who eliminated the top-seeded title holder in the semi-finals, overcame another Egyptian, Karim Darwish, 5-11 11-8 11-4 11-5 thanks partly to his increasing capacity for finishing rallies off in the front court.Nampa-Reuters