Nicol tames Egypt’s Heba

Malaysian to face English opponent in Netsuite Open q-finals

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian squash queen Nicol David (pic) has booked herself a spot in the quarter-finals of the Netsuite Open in the United States.

The eight-time world champion, who crashed out in the quarter-finals at the China Open earlier this month, overcame Egypt’s Heba El Torky 11-6, 11-8, 11-5 at the University Club in San Francisco on Tuesday.

World No. 5 Nicol, last year’s semi-finalist, will face England’s Victoria Lust in the quarter-finals at a different venue – the Bay Club San Francisco. Fifth seed Lust dropped a set before overcoming Aussie veteran Rachael Grinham 11-13, 11-8, 11-8, 11-9.

India’s Dipika Pallikal, the world No. 21, stunned fourth seed and world No. 13 Emily Whitlock of England 11-9, 11-8, 7-11, 11-8 to set up a last-eight clash against home favourite and world No. 17 Olivia Blatchford.

Top seed and world No. 4 Laura Massaro stormed to an 11-5, 11-9, 11-2 win over wildcard entrant Aisling Blake of Ireland.

The 33-year-old will take on Egytian Salma Hany next.

“I thought Aisling played well considering she’s been retired for two years. I’m also excited and hopeful to do well since my last tournament in China,” said Massaro, who was a first-round casualty at the China meet.

In men’s event, Egypt’s top two seeds – Karim Abdel Gawad and Mohamed El Shorbagy – stayed on course for a title showdown after clearing their opening hurdles.