Nicol storms into Cleveland Classic Open Semis

Malaysian squash queen and world number one Datuk Nicol David stayed on course for her second consecutive title this season, after marching into the semifinals of the 2014 Cleveland Classic Open at the Cleveland Racquet Club, Ohio, Unites States. In the quarter-finals played early today, the 30-year Penangite recorded an easy 11-5, 11-6, 11-6 win over fifth seed Camille Serme of France to book her berth. Nicol, the seven-time world champion regarded the French women as a tough opponent as they have meet several times before. "The rallies were long, she made me work hard but I was able to set up the opening and I was able to put the ball away," Nicol said. Nicol who recently claimed the Tournament of Champions (ToC) title in New York will face a tricky semi-final match later today against the 2009 World Junior runner-up, Nour El Tayeb of Egypt. The 20-year old Egyptian cruised into the semi-finals after pulling off a major upset by defeating her more illustrious compatriot Raneem El Weleily who was seeded third, 8-11, 11-9, 11-4, 12-10.