ID :
188503
Tue, 06/14/2011 - 13:43
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/188503
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MALAYSIAN SQUASH SUPERSTAR TO MAKE AUSTRALIAN OPEN DEBUT
By Neville DCruz
MELBOURNE, June 14 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's squash superstar Nicol David is set to make a smashing debut at the Australian Open in Canberra in August.
Ruling the roost as world number one since August 2006, she has won just about every major tournament of her glittering career.
The 27-year-old is a hot favourite to add the Australian Open to a trophy cabinet that already includes the Commonwealth Games gold, five World Opens and three British Opens.
Nicol, who will arrive in Canberra with her long-time coach, former
Australian great Liz Irving, has not played in Australia since the 2006
Commonwealth Games.
In an ominous sign for her opponents, the last time she was in Canberra was in 1999, when she bagged the Australian Junior Championship.
“I'm very excited to have this opportunity to play in this tournament for the first time, especially knowing the prestige the Australian Open has in the squash world and squash history,” she told Squash Australia in an email.
“I’m looking forward to giving it a good go there for this year's Australian Open.”
Nicol said, having her coach alongside her would give her a big advantage.
“Liz has always been among the best Australian women squash players and played many Australian Opens.
“Having her with me will give me a lot of positive reinforcements coming into Canberra.
“This Australian Open will be one of the highlights for me this year and I'm glad that Squash Australia has brought this event back for both the men and women.”
Joining Nicol in the top quality field are six former champions, all of whom are ranked in the top 20 in the world.
Last year’s champion, Madeline Perry of Northern Ireland, will be back to defend her title, while Kasey Brown (2006 champion), Annie Au (2008) and Joelle King (2009) will also play.
And in a significant coup, Australia’s Grinham sisters Rachael and Natalie, will play in the Australian Open together for the first time, since Natalie won the title in 2004.
Rachael, who won the following year, said Natalie had made great progress since she came back to the game after giving birth to her first child last year.
The Australian Open will be held on the all-glass court at Canberra’s Royal Theatre from August 8-14.
MELBOURNE, June 14 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's squash superstar Nicol David is set to make a smashing debut at the Australian Open in Canberra in August.
Ruling the roost as world number one since August 2006, she has won just about every major tournament of her glittering career.
The 27-year-old is a hot favourite to add the Australian Open to a trophy cabinet that already includes the Commonwealth Games gold, five World Opens and three British Opens.
Nicol, who will arrive in Canberra with her long-time coach, former
Australian great Liz Irving, has not played in Australia since the 2006
Commonwealth Games.
In an ominous sign for her opponents, the last time she was in Canberra was in 1999, when she bagged the Australian Junior Championship.
“I'm very excited to have this opportunity to play in this tournament for the first time, especially knowing the prestige the Australian Open has in the squash world and squash history,” she told Squash Australia in an email.
“I’m looking forward to giving it a good go there for this year's Australian Open.”
Nicol said, having her coach alongside her would give her a big advantage.
“Liz has always been among the best Australian women squash players and played many Australian Opens.
“Having her with me will give me a lot of positive reinforcements coming into Canberra.
“This Australian Open will be one of the highlights for me this year and I'm glad that Squash Australia has brought this event back for both the men and women.”
Joining Nicol in the top quality field are six former champions, all of whom are ranked in the top 20 in the world.
Last year’s champion, Madeline Perry of Northern Ireland, will be back to defend her title, while Kasey Brown (2006 champion), Annie Au (2008) and Joelle King (2009) will also play.
And in a significant coup, Australia’s Grinham sisters Rachael and Natalie, will play in the Australian Open together for the first time, since Natalie won the title in 2004.
Rachael, who won the following year, said Natalie had made great progress since she came back to the game after giving birth to her first child last year.
The Australian Open will be held on the all-glass court at Canberra’s Royal Theatre from August 8-14.
