New Straits Times

Smashing start for Nicol and Co at World Team meet

- Fadhli Ishak

kicked off their campaign at the Women’s World Team Squash Championsh­ip on a positive note by securing a comprehens­ive 3-0 win over South Africa in a Group D match in Dalian yesterday.

Low Wee Wern delivered the opening point for Malaysia with a straight sets 11-6, 11-6, 11-8 win over Milnay Louw in 24 minutes at the Xi-Gang Stadium.

Nicol David then downed Alexandra Fuller 11-4, 11-7, 11-8 in 22 minutes before youngster S. Sivasangar­i completed the rout with a 11-6, 13-11, 11-3 win over Elani Landman.

Malaysia will face Asian Games champions Hong Kong in what will likely determine the winners of the group today.

Hong Kong opened their campaign with a 3-0 win over Switzerlan­d.

Wee Wern said she was pleased with her team’s opening day performanc­e but is aware of the tough task that awaits them today.

“We played well to win against South Africa with everyone recording 3-0 victories,” said the 28-year-old yesterday.

“Tomorrow will be a big match for us against Hong Kong.

“It is always a close fight with them.

“And to add to that, we both want to top our group to avoid playing Egypt (in the quarterfin­als).”

There were no surprises elsewhere as defending champions Egypt (Group A) eased to a 3-0 win over Australia while second seeds England (Group B) downed Japan by the same scoreline.

France and the United States (both Group C) downed China and India 3-0 respective­ly.

The national team hope to finish in the top four this year after coming in sixth at the 2016 edition in Canada.

 ??  ?? Low Wee Wern
Low Wee Wern

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