Nicol completes hat-trick of US Open titles

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.