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Nicol Wins First US Open Title After Avenging Defeat To Raneem


KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- National squash queen and world number one Datuk Nicol David tasted her maiden US Open Squash Championship victory when she defeated Egypt's Raneem El Weleily, Friday.

The 29-year-old top seed edged Raneem in a four-set match to win 14-12, 8-11, 11-7 and 11-7 in 45 minutes and avenge her defeat to the Egyptian last month at the Malaysian Open final.

Nicol's victory at her first-ever US Open final was also a new WSA record as she surpassed Sarah Fitz-Gerald's record of 62 titles with her 63rd.

According to the tournament's official website, www.usopensquash.com, the match against Raneem was Nicol's 80th appearance in the Women Squash Association (WSA) competition finals, during her illustrious career.

The match was held at a glass court mounted at Drexel University's Daskalakis Athletic Centre in Philadelphia, the United States.

"I can't believe it. I keep thinking I should still be out there running after Raneem's drop shots like I've been doing all night.

"When she gets on a roll like she did in the third she can score six points before you've even moved off the 'T', but I just got my act together, became more positive and stronger on my shots and played my game, not hers, which is what Liz [Irving] had told me to do.

"It feels fantastic to be US Open champion! Next I just hope we can get in the Olympics - if we do I'll make sure I'm there, even if I have to turn up with my walking stick," said Nicol.

In the men's category, Egypt's Ramy Ashour claimed the coveted trophy when he outpaced France's Gregory Gaultier in straight sets, 11-4, 11-4 and 11-9 in 43 minutes.

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