Malaysian squash superstar Nicol David has won a record sixth women's World Open title, overtaking Australia's Sarah Fitz-Gerald.
David claimed her sixth title with a straight games victory over England's Jenny Duncalf in Rotterdam.
The 28-year-old David prevailed 11-2, 11-5, 11-0 in slightly less than half an hour in which the Amsterdam-based Malaysian's speed was outstanding and which was arguably her best performance in a world final.
David had been helped surpass Fitz-Gerald's record five world titles by the Australian herself, who sometimes trains and practises with her.
"I am speechless," a tearful David said.
"It was my best performance, without doubt.
"I didn't expect anything. I wanted this so badly, but it was a whole different experience out there this time.
"Everything just came together, and at the right time. It was at another level.
"It was a World Open final and it was the world title and I didn't want anyone to touch that trophy."
Her coach, Liz Irving, the Amsterdam-based Australian, was emphatic about what David had achieved.
"It was without doubt the best performance I have seen from her," Irving said.
"That was as near to perfect as you will get."
Duncalf, who had been in excellent form, was unable to do anything to halt the record-breaker, even though she kept calm, made relatively few unforced errors herself and tried to mix up the rallies.
The frustration of coping with David's onslaught was shown when Duncalf once kicked the ball away, after she had launched a brilliant winning volley return of serve to score her first point in the second game.
Meanwhile, England's Nick Matthew also lived up to his number one seeding to win the men's title.
His 6-11, 11-9, 11-6, 11-5 victory handed him the title for the second time and denied Gregory Gaultier of France in a final of great fluctuations, high emotions and repeated controversy.
When the 31-year-old Yorkshireman trailed by a game and 1-3 it seemed he was slipping into trouble, but he painstakingly pulled back the deficit during some fiercely prolonged rallies and some refereeing decisions which upset Gaultier.
Several of these caused the crowd to boo loudly and eventually Gaultier lost his patience telling the British official: "You never hesitate to give a no let against me," a comment that earned a code violation warning.
AFP
p/s : "Tahniah Datuk Nicol Ann David. Semoga Berjaya Lagi Dihari Yang Akan Datang..."
berbangga rasanya jadi rakyat malaysia
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