Nicol sees off Wee Wern to book semi-finals spot in US Open

Malaysian squash queen, Datuk Nicol David continued her blistering performance after she moved into the last four of the 2014 United States Open held at the Drexel University in Philadelphia.

World number one, Nicol, who is vying for her third consecutive US Open title saw off a strong challenge from her compatriot, Low Wee Wern with a 11-6, 11-4 and 11-9 win in the quarter-finals match held at ASB Glass Court, late Wednesday.

For the record, Nicol won the US Open title in 2012 and 2013.

"It’s a different tournament and for me, it’s another big tournament, so I’m excited to be here. It was tough out there today, playing Wee Wern but I’m happy to win in three," she said as quoted in the tournament's website www.usopensquash.com.

"It’s difficult playing against your teammate, but you have to just think that it’s the quarterfinals and whoever is there, is a contender, and they’re out to get you. I had to be alert and sharp today, and I’m really pleased with

my performance," added the 31-year old Penangite.

Nicol will square off against her nemesis, Egyptian Raneem El-Weleily in the semi-finals match late Saturday.

Raneem, the world number three avenged her defeat against Alison Waters of England by registering a 11-9, 11-8 and 11-5 victory.

The 25-year-old Egyptian lost to the world number five player at the quarter-finals of the Carol Weymuller Open held in New York last week.

"I’m very thankful, and happy to win that match. I don’t think Alison was as fresh as she was last week. She wasn’t getting to a lot of shots that she was running down in New York," said Raneem.

"The rest days we get in this tournament are great,” she added. “It gives you time to relax, chill out, and then prepare for the next round. I know I’ll be playing a Malaysian next — I hope they kill each other in a really long,

tough match!"