All eyes on Nicol

NICOL David has a chance to put a disappointing Malaysian Open outing behind her with the start of back-to-back American campaigns in New York today.

The World No 1, who left home fans stunned after her defeat to Raneem El Weleily at The Curve on Sept 15, faces a tough opening round at the Carol Weymuller Open against Australian Kasey Brown.
Nicol is itching to get back to winning ways and could avenge her defeat to Raneem if both make the final at Heights Casino in the New York City borough of Brooklyn.

"I hope to get my revenge in New York," was Nicol's parting words after having her bid for an eighth consecutive Malaysian Open title thwarted by the Egyptian.

The last time Nicol lost in two tournaments in a row was at the end of 2010 when Jenny Duncalf claimed her first wins over the six-time world champion.

But before Nicol can entertain thoughts of renewing her rivalry with Raneem, she must first get past World No 8 Kasey.

Before Raneem, the Australian was the last player to beat Nicol, and did so at last year's US Open. This year's edition takes place in Philadelphia after the New York event.

A win there should pit Nicol against Ireland's Madeline Perry with either Laura Massaro, Annie Au or Low Wee Wern awaiting in the semi-final.

Wee Wern is on a high after making the Malaysian Open semi-finals where she beat World No 5 Madeline and fourth-ranked Jenny.

Wee Wern, the national No 2, will be seeking another top-five scalp when she meets No 3 Laura today.
Raneem's path to the final could be blocked by former world champion Rachael Grinham of Australia or New Zealand's Joelle King in the quarter-finals while either compatriot Nour El Sherbini or England's Jenny lie in wait in the semi-finals.

Comments

Ex-coach's jail sentence cut to a year

PUTRAJAYA: The Court of Appeal yesterday sentenced former athletics coach C. Ramanathan to 12 months' jail for molesting two junior athletes 19 years ago. A three-man bench led by Datuk Mohd Hishamudin Mohd Yunus unanimously dismissed Ramanathan's appeal against conviction, but varied the jail sentence of four years to a year, which was to run concurrently. Following yesterday's ruling, Ramanathan, 75, a former teacher, walked out a free man as he had served 10 months in Kajang Prison. Convicts get one-third remission for good behaviour while in prison. However, he will lose his pension. Hishamudin, who sat with Datuk Abdul Wahab Patail and Datuk Linton Albert, said the court found no merit to overturn the conviction. "However, in reducing the sentence, we considered Ramanathan's age and the long years the appeal has taken." Deputy public prosecutor Awang Armadajaya Awang Mahmud submitted that then High Court judge Tan Sri Abdull Hamid E...

Govt Always Gives Emphasis To Sporting Culture, Says PM

KUALA TERENGGANU, May 29 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badaw i said the government always gives emphasis on cultivating a strong sporting culture in achieving excellence at the international level. As such, the Prime Minister said, it was important to scout for young talents in sports. "I observe that the Malaysia Games (Sukma) has become one of the important platforms to do so. "In this arena, the potentials and skills of the youngsters can be identified for development so that they can achieve greater success in sports," he said in his message in the souvenir book of the 12th Sukma from May 31 until June 9. Abdullah said he was aware that competition in sports was very keen and challenging but this did not mean that Malaysian athletes were incapable of competing at the international level. "The fact is that we have all the characteristics required to be excellent. We must inculcate a strong fighting spirit so that we don't easily surrender,...

Chance to catch Messi and company

FAM deputy president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah and vice president Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin with FC Barcelona chief executive officer Antoni Rossich yesterday. Pic by Osman Adnan LIONEL Messi's presence alone could sell half the tickets despite reigning world club champions FC Barcelona's date with a Malaysian XI at the National Stadium on Aug 10 falling on the third day of Hari Raya. The much anticipated visit of the four-time European champions comes with expectations from fans who want a full star-studded line-up. "The summer will be a busy period with a lot of uncertainty with players moving away and coming in. "But yes, our plans are to bring our full team here," said FC Barcelona chief executive officer Antoni Rossich yesterday. Rossich was speaking at the announcement of the friendly match, which is part of the three-match FC Barcelona Asia Tour 2013, which sees the giants also visiting China and Thailand. Also pre...

Malaysian Sports - Today's back pages!

Search This Blog