Nicol Through To 2nd Round Of Women's World Championship

GEORGE TOWN, March 18 (Bernama) -- As expected, women's world number one Datuk Nicol Ann David moved into the second round of the 29th Penang-CIMB Women's World Championship by thrashing unseeded Emma Beddoes of England at the Subterranean Penang International Convention and Exhibition Centre (SPICE) here.

Nicol, 31, took just 36 minutes to beat her opponent 11-9, 11-5, 11-8.

"The crowd was amazing, thanks for coming and supporting me. I'm pleased to win. Emma has been training well and she really gave me a strong match and made some good shots.

"Next, I'll meet another young player (Heba El Torky). I'm just focusing on the next match and will bring my best," she told reporters here Tuesday night.

On Thursday, Nicol is scheduled to meet unseeded Heba El Torky of Egypt who defeated 11th seeded Annie Au of Hong Kong.

Nicol was seven-time champing - 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Meanwhile, Nicolette Fernandes of Guyana sprang a surprise when she brushed aside world's number 15 Rachael Grinham of Australia in another match.

Kudos must be given to Nicolette who came back into the game after trailing 4-11 and 6-11 to turn the tide against her opponent to take the next three sets 12-10, 11-8 and 11-7 and won the match in 63 minutes.

Malaysia's number two Low Wee Wern and national amateur player Vanessa Raj, who gained entry through wild-card tickets, are scheduled to start their first round matches tomorrow.

Wee Wern will meet Donna Urquhart of Australia while Vaneesa will face world's number two Laura Massaro of England.

By Nursyabiha Sukri -- BERNAMA

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