British Open: Nicol sets up semi-final clash with Laura

Malaysia's top ranked women's squash player Datuk Nicol Ann David advanced into the semi-finals of the 2015 British Open squash championship after outclassing homester, Sarah-Jane Perry at Airco Arena in Hull, England on Friday.

The tournament top seed took 46 minutes to win the quarterfinals match in straight sets of 11-6,11-8 and 12-10.

"I think I was playing well today (Friday). I came out strong at the right time and Sarah-Jane was a tough opponent to play...happy to get out of there in 3.

"In the third set, I just didn't want to let it go and I really wanted to make it to the semis. So I kept fighting all the way," said Nicol as quoted in the tournament official website http://allambritishopensquash.com.

Earlier in the competition, Malaysia's number three, Delia sprung another surprise when she disposed second-seed Raneem El Weleily of Egypt with 4-11, 16-14, 10-12, 11-6 and 12-10 in an hour and nine minutes to book her semi-finals berth.

The wins by Nicol and Delia, put two Malaysian players in the British Open semi-finals for the first time.

"Amazing what Delia has managed to do this week. You wouldn't believe that such a small country like Malaysia would have two players in the semis of the British Open.

"She has come through and I'll be looking at what she is doing tomorrow (Saturday)," said Nicol.

The 31-year-old Penangite will take on another English player and tournament's third seed Laura Massaro, who beat New Zealand's Joelle King 11-6, 11-2 and 11-7, in her next assignment.

"I'm looking forward to get on court tomorrow against Laura. It should be a good battle and I hope the crowd will be entertained," she said.

For the semi-finals matches, Delia is schedule to take on Camille at 1 pm local time (8 pm Malaysian time) while Nicol is to face Laura at 2 pm (9 pm Malaysian time) today.