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Squash: Nicol Clinches Seventh Malaysian Open Title

PETALING JAYA, July 23 (Bernama) -- Malaysian squash queen and World number one Datuk Nicol Ann David stamped her supremacy in front of the home fans, to claim the 2011 CIMB Malaysian Open Squash Championship title here Saturday.

It was her seventh successive victory in the tournament since 2005.

Nicol, the top seed in the Women's International Squash Players Association (Wispa)-sanctioned competition, outclassed England's Jenny Duncalf in straight sets 11-6, 12-10 an 11-5 in 42 minutes.

"No doubt, she (Jenny) always plays good squash and at the same time, I have to play better to make sure it is tight and solid. I was really focused today and very happy with my performance," said the squash queen who will turn 28 next month.

For her win, she pocketed USD11,400 (RM33,900) and the coveted trophy. Jenny, as the runner-up, took home USD7,800 (RM23,200).

Her next assignment after the Malaysian Open will be the CIMB Singapore Masters between July 25 and July 30, and the Australian Open from Aug 9 to 14.

"I'm looking forward to the Singapore Masters. However, I just want to take in this win. This is my second World Series title. I want to celebrate it for a little while before concentrating on my next competition," said Nicol.

The first Wispa World Series she had won was the Cayman Islands Open on April 9, where she defeated Jenny 3-1.

Earlier in the men's finals, France's Gregory Gaultier clinched his maiden Malaysian Open title after defeating Aamir Atlas Khan of Pakistan.

The world number six took 43 minutes to win the match in straight sets of 11-8, 11-3 and 11-3.

For his feat, Gregory pocketed USD8,075 (RM24,000) while Aamir was awarded USD5,525 (RM16,400).

"The first game was quite tough but then it paid off. I'm really happy to win a title," said the former world no. 1.

His next assignment will be the Australian Open (Aug 9-14).

The 28-year-old had to rest for two months due to an injury sustained in January, and has only played in three Professional Squash Association tournaments this year, reaching the semi-finals in two of them.

"I'm working hard to get back to the top, so I have to make lots of sacrifices because currently, many players are aiming for the top position. I was lucky to do it in 2009 and now, I just want to get back there again (world no. 1)," said Gregory.

-- BERNAMA

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