Malaysian squash queen Datuk Nicol David lived up to expectations with a sizzling display en route to claiming her fourth title in the 33rd National Championships at the Jalan Duta Squash Centre, here Friday.
Nicol, the top seed in the tournament who had won the title in - 2010, 2011 and 2013 - showcased a solid performance right from the start as she disposed national junior Rachel Arnold 11-4, 11-7,11-5 in the final of the women''s premier category.
Speaking to reporters later, Nicol said she was delighted to recapture the national title after withdrawing in the 2014 edition with a back injury and skipping the last two years due to other commitments.
She also praised young and upcoming national junior players including Rachel who showcased a commendable performance in the annual tournament.
"I''m just happy to win this tournament ...I have not played against Rachel for a long time and to see her progress well is a good thing," said Nicol.
"I think our junior players have improved a lot lately and what they need is exposure at high level competitions.They have proven themselves by producing good results for the country at junior level and we must encourage them to push to another level," added Nicol who pocketed RM4,000 for her feat.
Meanwhile, national number two Ivan Yuen ended his barren run after stunning reigning champion and two time champion, Mohd Nafiizwan Adnan in the men''s premier category.
Yuen, however had to go the distance before stunning Mohd Nafiizwan, winning 10-12, 11-3, 6-11, 12-10, 11-9 to receive the winner's purse of RM4,000 while the latter had to settle for RM2,000 as the runner-up.
Speaking of the victory today, Yuen said he was extremely delighted to claim the national title after having failed in previous attempts.
"Winning the national championships will certainly boost my confidence for two upcoming tournaments in New Zealand, next month," said Yuen who lost to the same opponent in last year''s final.
All losing semifinalists in both men''s and women''s premier categories received RM1,000 cash. - BERNAMA
Bernama
Fri May 26 2017
Nicol said she was delighted to recapture the national title after withdrawing in the 2014 edition with a back injury and skipping the last two years due to other commitments. - BERNAMApic
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.