Nicol completes hat-trick of US Open titles

Malaysian squash queen Datuk Nicol David put up a sizzling performance enroute to claiming her third consecutive United States Open title after beating Egyptian Nour El Sherbini.

Nicol, the world number one who had clinched the title in 2012 and 2013, came up against some tough resistance from the 18-year old Egyptian teenage sensation before winning 11-5, 12-10, 12-10 in the final that was held at the ASB Glass Court in Drexel University, Philadelphia, late Saturday.

On her victory, the 31-year old Penangite said, she was very pleased with her performance but was all praise for her opponent who gave a tough fight in the 41-minute match.

"Sherbini played such a good game of squash and I really had to play even better because it was so difficult out there and to win that title," Nicol was quoted as saying in the tournament's website; www.usopensquash.com.

"I think with Sherbini it’s more of just getting in the groove. I felt in the second game she just found her rhythm and flow and good shots. She was really putting pressure on me and I had to keep up with that pace throughout the match."

The result also saw Nicol avenge her defeat to the same player in the semi-finals of the 29th Women's World Championship, held in Penang, early this year.

Meanwhile, another Egyptian, Mohamed Elshorbagy celebrated his rise to world number one with a victory over compatriot, Amr Shabana who was the 2011 champion in the men's final.

Elshorbagy, the third seed in the tournament defeated Shabana, the world number five 8-11, 11-9, 11-3, 11-3 in four sets.