Nicol advances to semis, Wee Wern bows out

World number one, Datuk Nicol David advanced to the semi-finals of the 29th Penang-CIMB Women’s World Championship after outclassing Camille Serme of France.

In Friday's quarterfinals, the Malaysian squash queen received an early setback after losing the first set 9-11, but fought back to win the next two matches, 11-5, 11-5.

However, Serme fought back to win 11-6 in the fourth set. Nicol sealed the match with 11-4 in a grueling match that lasted an hour 16 minutes at the Subterranean Penang International Convention and Exhibition Centre (SPICE) here, on Friday night.

"I had really good and tough matches with Serme. I had to focus on the game plan pleased to win 3-2. I knew I had enough to keep me going.

"That what I was trained for, I was really motivated to go all the way no matter what happens. I need a speedy recovery and I'll be better tomorrow," said Nicol.

In Saturday's semifinals, Nicol will meet Nour El Sherbini of Egypt who defeated fifth seeded player’s Joelle King of New Zealand, 11-9, 8-11, 13-11 and 11-6 in a match that lasted 52 minutes.

Meanwhile, Malaysia's number two women's squash player, Low Wee Wern failed to advance to the semi-finals after she was defeated in the quarter finals by world number two, Laura Massaro of England.

Wee Wern shocked Massaro 14-12 to win the first set. Massaro made it 1-1 to take the second set 11-6, before losing to Wee Wern, 6-11 in the third set.

However, Wee Wern lost her momentum in the other two sets as Massaro sealed the match with 13-11 and 11-7 in a match that lasted an hour 45 minutes.

"I gave everything I had. It was really hard to lose especially in Penang. I had the chance in the fourth set but Laura is an an experienced player. She knows how to come back and how to play for big points.It something I need to learn," said Wee Wern.

Massaro will play third seeded Raneem El Weleily of Egypt who defeating seventh seeded Madeline Perry of Ireland, 10-12, 14-12, 11-3, 7-11 and 11-7.

"Madeline Perry played well today. I was inconsistent and had to stay focus especially at the crucial points. I'm happy to be in the semis hope to do better and be more consistent than," said Raneem.