Delia Deals Grinham Out In Penang by Howard Harding November 22, 2014
- It was a case of seventh time lucky for second-seeded Malaysian Delia
Arnold today when she beat Australian Rachael Grinham on home soil in
the final of the Women's IJM Land Penang Open - in her first win over
the former one after six successive Tour defeats.
Favourite Grinham, currently ranked 13 in the world, arrived in Penang
fresh from title success in the Caboolture Open in her home land - and
had a relatively trouble-free passage through to the final of the WSA
Tour 10 squash event at the Nicol David International Squash Centre.
The 37-year-old Queenslander was celebrating her 69th Tour final -
while 28-year-old Arnold, from Selangor and ranked 18 places lower than
Grinham, was marking her 14th final.
The surprise outcome took 52 minutes, with Arnold KL-born Arnold
(pictured above in action with Grinham) despatching former world
champion Grinham 11-6, 9-11, 11-9, 11-8 to claim the eighth title of
her career - and her first for well over two years.
"I've played with Rachael many time and I've never won before," said
the delighted new champion. "I'm very happy and overwhelmed to win
today!"
A disconsolate Grinham added: "I feel a bit disappointed because I lost
in the final last year, and this year as well. I always love to come to
Penang for this event, even though I am tight after all the tournaments
I've played recently.
"Delia played well today - the best player won."
RESULTS: Women's IJM Land Penang Open, Penang, Malaysia
