Nicol looks for ‘consistency’ to be tops again

David’s struggles over the past two years have been well documented with only one PSA Tour title to show in that time but the former World No 1 believes consistency is key towards getting back to her best.

Following a second round exit at the US Open last month, concern has been raised over Nicol’s form ahead of two major events, the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games, next year.

Now ranked sixth in the world, 34-yearold Nicol said the open nature of women’s squash on the PSA Tour means there is an opportunity to snatch victories although to dominate the scene as she once did, when she was World No 1 for nearly nine years, is not likely.

“It’s just a matter of getting consistency and that is just normal. If you’re performing well but in some tournaments when on the day you’re not doing as well and the other player is playing her best, that just happens,” said Nicol during CIMB Foundation’s 10-year anniversary celebrations in Mutiara Damansara yesterday.

“Also it’s a matter of how difficult it is to be consistent at the top and all the girls are also trying to find their consistency.

“There is no one winner all the time and that is why women’s squash is so exciting. We’re pushing each other to see who can be the most consistent. That is my aim, to stay as consistent as possible and then the results and performance will speak for itself.”

Nicol claimed her 81st PSA Tour title in Colombia in March but victories have been harder to come by recently though she has consistently maintained her ranking in the top-eight since 2004.

“I think that is something to celebrate and I think that is an achievement to be proud of to be in the top-eight for so long,” said Nicol. “I just want to keep working on improving my performance and if I can do that then the results will come.”

Nicol will be competing at the Hong Kong Open, a tournament she won for a record 10th consecutive time in 2015, on Wednesday when she plays a qualifier in the first round before heading to Manchester for the World Championships next month.

“I am focused on Hong Kong at the moment and then build up to the Worlds,” said eight-time world champion Nicol. “I’m hoping for a good tournament in Hong Kong and I hope it sets me up nicely and gives me a boost for the Worlds.”