By MANMEET KAUR 

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia’s Squash Queen and World No 1 Nicol David thrashed Ireland’s World No 6 Madeline Perry in the final of the CIMB Kuala Lumpur Open squash championships at the Berjaya Times Square here yesterday.

Nicol took just 34 minutes to win the match 11-6, 11-6, 11-2 and lifted the title for a seventh time. She first won the title in 2000 and was also the champion in 2002, 2005, 2007, 2008 and 2010.



Nicol David (left) returns a shot as Madeline Perry looks on at the game yesterday.

“I knew it would be a tough match. I’ve once lost to her and I did not want to let her confidence taking over the game.

“I had to stick to my game plan and apply pressure on her from the start. I had to work extra hard to ensure that I controlled the match from the start and I am happy to win in straight sets.

“It looked like an easy game but it wasn’t,” Nicol said after her victory, which was worth US$8 550 (RM27 360).

This was Nicol’s 51st title in Women’s International Squash Players Association (Wispa) tournaments since turning pro in 2000. The Penangite has won all the major titles on the international stage – the World Open, British Open, Asian championships, Commonwealth Games and Asiad.

Nicol celebrates her 59th month as world number one this March, leaving only one player in history that has topped the Women’s World Squash Rankings for a longer period: Michelle Martin. This month Nicol overtakes Australian legend Martin’s achievement of 58 months as world number one, between 1993 and 1999.

The record-equalling five times world champion from Malaysia now only has Susan Devoy’s record in her sights. The distinguished New Zealander, now Dame Devoy, boasts 105 months in pole position between April 1984 and February 1993.

Nicol will be back in her hometown Penang to defend the Asian championships title, which will be played at the squash centre named after her from April 26-30.

“I am looking forward to playing in my hometown,” said Nicol, who has won the biennial Asian championship title seven times since 1998.