Nicol avenges defeat to Raneem enroute to first title of the season

National squash queen and world's women's number one, Datuk Nicol Ann David clinched her first win of the 2013 season after defeating Raneem El Weleily of Egypt in the final of the 2013 CIMB Malaysian Open, here on Sunday.

It was her eighth Malaysian Open title.

The 30-year-old top seed edged Raneem in straight sets of 11-8, 11-7 and 11-6 in 34 minutes and avenge last year's defeat to the Egyptian.

"She (Raneem) definitely had a long match yesterday but she is such a skillful player. She just got in there and played some good shots. So I really had to work hard to get it (title).

"It was a tough game and she didn't let go. In the last game, I got my momentum and took it through," said Nicol.

Nicol also expressed her gratitute to the local supporters who were cheering for her today.

"I think this is the biggest and the largest support I had here. I can see a swarm of people gathered to watch the game. It was just phenomenal," she added.

Nicol noted that she would continue her training under the guidance of her coach, Liz Irving, in Amsterdam.

For her win, she pocketed USD10,200 (RM33,558) and took the coveted trophy, while Raneem, as the runner-up, took home USD6,900 (RM22,701).

Her next assignment will be the Carol Weymuller Open from Oct 1-6 in the United States.

In the men's final, despite having a nose injury, England's Peter Barker clinched his maiden Malaysian Open title after defeating Tarek Momen of Egypt.

The world number seven took an hour and 10 minutes to win the match in four sets of 11-5, 9-11, 11-5 and 11-3.

"It was a tiring and valuable day for me, as I had first to play Borja (Golan) and then Tarek in one day. I'm so happy winning the championship. It was the best squash I've played," he said after his match.

For his feat, Peter pocketed USD8,075 (RM26,566) while Tarek was awarded USD5,525 (RM18,177).

Earlier today, Peter had to resumed his semifinal match against Borja Golan after its been postponed due to his nose injury.