Test of character

Nicol defeats determined Joey to reach quarter-finals

PETALING JAYA: Nicol David (pic) passed a test of character with flying colours as she stopped a determined Joey Chan to reach the quarter-finals of the British Open squash championships in Hull.

The eight-time world champion prevailed 11-4, 14-12, 9-11, 11-2 at the Airco Arena on Thursday.

Nicol, the world No. 7 and a fivetime British Open winner, had never lost to Hong Kong’s world No. 17 Joey in four previous meetings.

And Nicol, fresh from winning her 101st Professional Squash Association (PSA) Tour title at the Ciudad de Floridablanca Open in Colombia earlier this month, started strongly with a 7-0 lead in taking the first set 11-4.

The Penangite continued to push on as she saved a game ball to take the second set 14-12.

Southpaw Joey slowly found her groove and managed to nick the third set 11-9.

Nicol, though, was unfazed and came storming back in the fourth set, racing to a 10-1 lead before sealing the win after 47 minutes.

“I’m feeling more comfortable every time I play and I think playing in Colombia earlier this month helped me get a feel of what I’m trying to do,” said Nicol.

“Besides, I just get spurred on playing on the glass court and I raised my game even more today.

“There’re no expectations on me, so I’m just looking to enjoy another good match,” she added.

Nicol certainly fancies her chances when she takes on world No. 2 Camille Serme of France – a player she has beaten in all 15 meetings – in the last eight.

Second seed Serme overcame Egypt’s Nour El Tayeb 11-8, 11-9, 5-11, 11-9 to earn her last eight ticket.

England’s world No. 8 Sarah-Jane Perry joined compatriots Laura Massaro and Emily Whitlock in the last eight after beating Wales’ Tesni Evans 11-5, 11-8, 11-8.

Perry takes on Australia’s Donna Urquhart, who ended the gallant run of Egyptian qualifier Nada Abbas, for a place in the semi-finals.

In men’s action, Egyptian world No. 23 Mohamed Abouelghar pulled off a major upset by beating compatriot and world champion Karim Abdel Gawad 6-11, 12-10, 11-9, 11-7.

The 23-year-old Mohamed next meets fifth seed Ramy Ashour.

Third seed Gregory Gaultier of France, who could claim the world No. 1 spot if he wins the tournament, also powered through after thrashing Australia’s Cameron Pilley.