Nicol crashes out of DPD Open

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian squash queen, Datuk Nicol David failed to advance into the last eight of the 2019 DPD Open after losing to reigning world champion, Nour El Sherbini of Egypt in the second round match in Eindhoven, Netherlands, Thursday (Friday in Malaysia).

Sherbini, the second seed, proved too strong for the Penangite as the former secured a comfortable 11-8, 11-4, 11-2 victory in just 21 minutes.

Nicol, in her interview later revealed that Sherbini was in her best form to win the match, adding that she had given it her all, but the latter proved she was the best player in the world.

“She (Sherbini) is on a roll at the moment, I really admire the way she has already won three world champs (championship) titles,” Nicol was quoted as saying on the tournament's official website - www.dpdopensquash.com.

Nicol, who resides in Amsterdam, also thanked the locals who have always cheered for her in the past 16 years, especially on her way to two world titles in the European country.

“It's great to have the support team cheering me on and supporting me until the end,” quipped Nicol.

The 35-year-old who will retire at the end of the season, also paid tribute to her coach and former Australian squash legend, Liz Irving, who has been with her through thick and thin for the past 16 years.

Meanwhile, Sherbini said it was a special moment for her playing against Nicol, who is among the top legends of the sport.

“I have played (against) her a lot of times, and it is always special. She really did a lot for our sport and I learned a lot from her. I always looked up to her when I was younger, so it's really tough to play against her,” said Sherbini.

“I think we played in Malaysia the first time, and she beat me 3-0 in 20 minutes. I also beat her in Malaysia for the first time at the World Championships. It was a huge win for me and I beat her 3-2 and it was one of the biggest achievements of my life,” added the native of Alexandria.