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SQUASH: Forget No 1 spot, girls

LONG REIGN: Nicol believes she can go on for another five to seven years

Nicol David
Nicol David at the press conference with SportExcel chairman Tunku Tan Sri Imran Tuanku Ja’afar (right) and executive director C. Sivanandan at the Royal Selangor Club in Bukit Kiara yesterday. Pic by Supian Ahmad

ANYONE wishing to knock Nicol David off her throne  may have to wait seven more years as the six-time world champion warned her best years lie ahead of her. 

Nicol, who begins the hunt for an eighth CIMB Nicol David Kuala Lumpur Open title today, has never previously given a timescale as to when she might one day call it quits but yesterday said she is good for another five to seven years at the top.

    After reigning as the World No 1 uninterrupted since August 2006 and winning a record sixth world title last year, Nicol's appetite for success and improvement remains as insatiable as ever.

    "Many people find it funny when I tell them I'm still trying to improve and have not reached my peak yet," said Nicol, 28. "It's hard to explain because of what I have achieved.

   "But I know what I have to work on. Squash is an intricate sport where even the smallest detail can make a big difference.

   "I have to continue to improve because younger players are coming up and keep pushing the bar higher. I have to stay at the top of my game and push myself all the time."

   Few players can last the pace with Nicol, who is known for her boundless energy on court, and yet the Penang-born player shows no sign of slowing down after 11 years as a professional.

   "It's been almost 11 years since I started on the professional circuit and I hope to push for another five to seven years if the body is fit and I can stay clear of injury," said Nicol after commemorating SportExcel's 21 years of grassroots development at the Royal Selangor Club in Bukit Kiara yesterday.

   "I will have to train smart, not overload on training and look after myself well. It is testament to the work of my support group and the medical and sports science personnel at the NSI (National Sports Institute) that I, touch wood, have stayed clear of injuries.

   "The physical demands on a top-20 player is great and it all boils down to having the mental attributes to prepare to face challenges.

   "This I learned at age 11 or 12, what it takes to be prepared mentally, setting goals and the usual things."

   Nicol also paid tribute to SportExcel, where she honed her skills on the national junior circuit.

  "SportExcel played a big part in how I developed as squash player. As a 10-year-old, I was already playing in the Under-19 category and the experience helped me when I went overseas to take on the world.

   "This type of opportunity does not come often and it was tremendous experience getting to travel around the country and compete," said Nicol, who is described by SportEXcel chairman Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja'afar as the "superstar in the squash galaxy."

Read more: NST

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