Malaysia pulled off a major upset by beating top seed and defending champions Egypt 2-0 in a dramatic semi-final at Mark Sachvie Squash Centre in Ontario, Canada, late Friday.
The win opens a new chapter in world squash for Malaysia who are making their first Women's World Team Championship final since the tournament's inception in 1979.
World number one Datuk Nicol David put up a brilliant display to give Malaysia the perfect start by beating world number three Raneem El Weleily; 11-3, 8-11, 11-7 and 11-9 in 54 minutes.
"She’s so on the ball. I had to work really hard. I’m just so pleased to get a point for Malaysia," Nicol said as quoted in the tournament's website www.wwt2014squash.com.
"I took some time off after Macau (Open) to refresh and regroup. I’m really enjoying the game now. Winning for Malaysia is a great feeling.
"I put my heart and soul into it,” added the jubilant Nicol who extended her unbeaten run in the tournament since 2004 to 32 matches.
Low Wee Wern ensured a final berth for Malaysia with a spirited display to upset world number four Nour El-Sherbini; 11-9, 8-11, 11-2, 7-11, 11-9 in a gruelling 86-minute match.
"Its amazing to be in the final for the first time. The Egyptian girls really gave their all. I am just so pleased for Nicol. For all these years, she won for us but the team let her down. Now we have finally done it for her.
"Nicol is not just a role model for me, but also a good friend. This is the first time I’ve given her the support she deserves. This win is huge, our biggest team success ever.
"Its massive but its not over yet,” added the 24-year-old Penangite, the world number seven.
Malaysia, who were seeded third, face another uphill battle in the final against 2012 finalist and second seed, England, late Saturday.
England, who lost to Egypt in 2012, survived a 2-1 dramatic semi-final battle against fourth seed Hong Kong.
Malaysia's best achievement in the championship was third placing in the past four editions - 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2012.
Bernama
Sat Dec 06 2014
Nicol put up a brilliant display to give Malaysia the perfect start by beating world number three Raneem El Weleily; 11-3, 8-11, 11-7 and 11-9 in 54 minutes. - Filepic
China promises Latin America 'trustworthy' ties as Trump lays out demands
Beijing looks to improve its foothold in a region historically under the US sphere of influence.
Major risks loom as Trump upends US Russia policy
Washington's approach changes dramatically with the initial meeting between US and Russian negotiators.
Pope Francis has double pneumonia, complicating his treatment, Vatican says
Doctors say a polymicrobial infection occurs when two or more micro-organisms are involved and can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Philippines' VP Duterte challenges impeachment before Supreme Court
Sara Duterte makes her first legal move to fight the case that could lead to her removal and lead to a lifetime ban from public office.
Motor racing - Hamilton steps out in red at unprecedented 10 team F1 launch
I feel so full of life, so much energy, because everything's new and I'm just focused on what is up ahead, Hamilton says.
UAE tells US' Rubio it rejects displacement of Palestinians
The UAE's stance matters as its one of four Arab nations that normalised ties with Israel during Trumps first term.
Taylor Swift wins recording artist of the year crown for fifth time
The megastar's "The Tortured Poets Department" record also topped four IFPI charts, the IFPI says.
More than $50 billion needed to rebuild Gaza, World Bank joint assessment says
Years of rebuilding work, including clearing unexploded ordinance and millions of tonnes of rubble lie ahead.
Malaysia’s AI data centre development to be impacted by recent US restrictions - Liew
Liew Chin Tong says the restrictions would not affect the development of the domestic data centre ecosystem as a whole.
Sweden's top court rejects Greta Thunberg lawsuit on climate action
A court cannot decide that the parliament or the government must take any specific action, the Supreme Court says.
![[COLUMNIST] Trump’s Gaza (pipe) dream](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-10/51728873693_EMIR.jpg "[COLUMNIST] Trump’s Gaza (pipe) dream")
[COLUMNIST] Trump’s Gaza (pipe) dream
The Gaza plan is dangerous and counter-productive as it's merely another recipe for regional instability.
Sivasangari eyes new career-high in world rankings
After climbing to a career-best world number seven, national women's squash ace S. Sivasangari is determined to keep rising.
Outburst against Steven Sim: DAP will probe if there's a complaint - Loke
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke says the disciplinary committee has not received any reports related to the incident so far.
US judge will not block Elon Musk from firing federal workers, accessing data
The case raises questions about Musk's apparent unchecked authority as a top deputy to President Donald Trump.
Dozens of false killer whales stranded on remote Australian beach
Rescue crews trying to save the majority of the large dolphins that survived the ordeal, according to authorities.
Trump restricts AP access over Gulf of Mexico issue
The AP, citing editorial standards, says it would continue to use the gulf's established name.
China to fly back 200 nationals rescued from Myanmar scam centres, Thai official says
This is part of a multinational effort to crack down on illegal online operations run from the region.
Somber Tiger Woods back in action in TGL loss to New York GC
Tiger Woods makes his first start since the death of his mother when he competed in a TGL match at Palm Beach Gardens.
Brazil's ex-President Bolsonaro charged in alleged coup plot
A total of 34 people were charged, including several military officials.
Trump and Musk target tax enforcers, rocket scientists, bank regulators for job cuts
Concerns grow over transparency, oversight, and Musk's influence on government operations.