Nicol hopes for Hong Kong charm against Annie

KUALA LUMPUR: Nicol David (pic)has the chance to gain revenge on Annie Au when they clash in the second round of the Hong Kong Open squash championships today.

World No. 11 Annie had upset world No. 6 Nicol in five sets in the second round of the US Open last month.

Nicol though seems to be thriving on her love affair with the Hong Kong Open.

The fifth-seeded Malaysian, who is gunning for her 11th Hong Kong Open title, needed just 30 minutes to beat qualifier Danielle Letourneau of Canada 11-2, 11-6, 9-11, 11-3 in the first round yesterday.

Asian champion Annie eliminated compatriot Tong Tsz Wing 13-11, 11-9, 11-3.

“It’s great to be back here. Hong Kong is a special place for me, there are a lot of memorable moments here,” said eight-time world champion Nicol.

“I won my first World Championship title here and there’s a great vibe.

“There are a lot of familiar faces and good memories here. I always come in with a good buzz when I step on the glass court.”

Two other Malaysians – Rachel Arnold and Nafiizwan Adnan – crashed out in the first round.

Rachel was no match for third seed Camille Serme, going down 1-11, 0-11, 3-11.

Nafiizwan went down 7-11, 5-11, 2-11 to Egypt’s Fares Dessouky in 28 minutes in the men’s section.