PETALING JAYA: Malaysian squash queen Nicol David picked up her fifth Qatar Classic title after dishing out an electrifying performance to pack off Madeline Perry in the final in Doha yesterday.
World No.1 Nicol has already beaten Perry in a final this year – the KL Open in March – and duly took the first set 11-2 in just eight minutes.
But veteran Perry provided a sterner challenge in the second set, with the scores tied 7-7 at one point.
Nicol DavidHowever Nicol reeled off four points in a row to take the second set 11-7.
That broke Perry’s resistance and Nicol wasted no time in wrapping up the match 11-2, 11-7, 11-3 in 33 minutes for her fifth title of the year.
It was also a massive boost for Nicol ahead of the World Open at Rotterdam next week in which she is bidding for a record sixth world title.
“My length today was very good and I was able to contain her and prevent her from playing her shots as she is very good on the volley.”
“It was far from easy but I felt good on court and this was the best I played in the tournament,” a victorious Nicol was quoted onwww.squashsite.co.uk.
A dejected Perry, who has now lost to Nicol 14 times in all competitions, attributed her defeat to Nicol’s superior speed.
“She was too fast! She took the ball very early and went short from the start, volley dropping from the first rally,” said the Northern Irishwoman.
“That’s not what she usually does and it took me by surprise because I was expecting to work my way into the match with a few rallies.”
Meanwhile, in the men’s event, Malaysian Open champion Gregory Gaultier continued his fine run in the tournament after yet another splendid performance to down England’s James Wilstrop.
The world No. 6 Frenchman overcame Wilstrop after a display of sheer power and speed to lift his first Qatar title after coming short in 2007 – losing to Egypt’s Amr Shabana.
Final
Men: Gregory Gaultier (Fra) bt James Wilstrop (Eng) 11-8, 11-7, 2-11, 11-8
Women: Nicol David (Mas) bt Madeline Perry (Irl) 11-2, 11-7, 11-4.http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2011/10/22/sports/9753973&sec=sports
Source :Thestar
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