TRIBUTE TO COACH
Nicol acknowledges key role played by Liz in shaping her success
NICOL David paid homage to her coach Liz Irving as she brought to an end a stellar career following a second round defeat at the British Open in Hull on Tuesday.
Nicol, who lost to Egyptian Nour El Tayeb, has been living and training in Amsterdam with Liz for the last 16 years.
The Penang-born acknowledged the huge role Liz played in shaping her career over the years.
“She (Liz) knew what it took to be at the top and I only trusted her and what (guidance) she gave me,” Nicol told PSA World Tour.
“She was so right and I knew if I stuck to it everything would pay off and sure enough.
“She stuck by me at all times, even when I was down. She is still right by my side. Thank you for everything.
“Also the people in Amsterdam, I have lived there for 16
years, they created a family for me there and I felt that I could do anything.”
Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) director of coaching Major (Rtd) S. Maniam said Nicol will be missed but is looking forward to seeing her in an off-court role in the future.
“It’s an emotional send-off. We are not going to see her in action on court after this,” said Maniam.
“Needless to say, the memories will linger for a long time to come. I look forward to seeing her in action on her other roles. Her foundation, her lectures and her work with PSA.”
Going forward, Nicol will be working with the PSA to raise awareness of the sport globally in addition to building a support team for professional athletes.
She will also focus on the Nicol David Foundation, in partnership with PwC, which is aimed at empowering girls through sports while improving their studies and soft skills.
Malaysia’s interest in the British Open came to an end after Low Wee Wern went down in straight games 11-6, 11-4, 11-9 to New Zealand’s fifth seed Joelle King on Tuesday.
Wee Wern was playing under difficult circumstances as her grandfather had passed away on Monday. She returned to Malaysia yesterday.
“Joelle was too good. Right from the start, she was finding her length better than me. I got better in the third game but it was a bit too late,” said Wee Wern.
“Of course, the circumstances were not ideal for me, but I did what I could out there.”