Nicol David Back In Charge In Capturing Malaysian Open Final
by Howard Harding

15 September 2013 - Malaysian squash star Nicol David admitted today that it was 'a great feeling' to regain the Women's CIMB Malaysian Open title - avenging her final defeat last year by beating defending champion Raneem El Weleily to claim the trophy for the eighth time since 2005.

The world number one from Penang was celebrating her 11th successive appearance in the final - and was arguably more determined than ever before to secure her country's prized title after the shock 2012 victory by Egyptian El Weleily.

David dropped just one game en-route to the final of the WSA World Series event - beating her semi-final opponent Camille Serme in straight games in 42 minutes at the Curve Shopping Mall in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

But El Weleily, the third seed from Cairo, was taken the full distance in the other semi before finally overcoming England's higher-ranked Laura Massaro in a 78-minute marathon.

"In last year's final, Raneem probably played the match of her life," reported event spokesman Andrew Cross. "Could she repeat that performance in this year's final? Nicol looked determined today and a very large vocal crowd had turned up to watch her play the final - it was the busiest I have seen the venue with lots of people wanting to get a glimpse of Nicol.

"Nicol (pictured above, right, in the final) started better with Raneem almost playing catch up throughout the whole opening game. Raneem was hitting more tins than winners and that was the story throughout most of the match. Nicol won the opening two games and in the third Nicol started well taking a lead to 8-3 then converting this to 10-3.

"Raneem wasn't quite finished as she started to fight back - but it wasn't enough as Nicol won the game to clinch the match."

An overjoyed David was thrilled with her 11-8, 11-7, 11-6 triumph in 34 minutes. "It's great to win it this time around, in the Malaysian Open - and finally got a good win in Malaysia after a year," the new champion told squashstars.com later.

"It's such a great feeling! And I think it's one of the biggest crowds ever at the Malaysian Open.

"With Raneem having a big match yesterday, I think she felt it a little bit today. I just had to take advantage and come out firing. I'm just happy to win it three love!"

The win, David's first ranking title of the year, takes the 30-year-old's career Tour tally to 67 titles - 35 more than her nearest rival!

RESULTS: Women's CIMB Malaysian Open, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

Final:
[1] Nicol David (MAS) bt [3] Raneem El Weleily (EGY) 11-8, 11-7, 11-6 (34m)