Nicol's fine outing comes to an end

Women's squash singles champion Datuk Nicol Ann David's fine outing at the 20th Commonwealth Games came to an end after losing to the English pair, Alison Waters and Emma Beddoes, in the women's doubles quarterfinals on Thursday.

Nicol, who partnered Low Wee Wern in the event, fell to a narrow defeat to the third seeds 11-10 and 11-8.

"It was close, the first game could have gone either way. It's just a shame we lost the first game and couldn't turn it around.

"The singles event is always preferable to the doubles, as we play that all year round and not just every four years.

"I wish I could have done more for Malaysia by winning another medal in the doubles," said Nicol.

After the Commonwealth Games, Nicol will return to Amsterdam to continue her training in preparation for a several competitions including the Malaysian Open and the Asian Games.

Nicol and Wee Wern qualified for the quarter-finals by packing off Mihiliya Methasarani-Nadhindhi Udangawa of Sri Lanka 11-2 and 11-2 in their preliminary rounds match to finish as runners-up in Group D.

The English pair will face compatriots and top seeds Laura Massaro-Jenny Duncalf in the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, Laura and Jenny went through after disposing of seventh seeds Lisa Camilleri-Donna Urquhart of Australia 11-7 and 11-4.