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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.

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