Nicol David is on track towards bagging her sixth British Open title after booking a quarter-final spot in the competition yesterday.
The world number one outplayed Emma Beddoes of England after four intense sets, winning 11-9, 9-11, 11-8, 11-5. The first set was rather nervy for both players, though Nicol eventually seized. But Emma effectively bounced back in the next one, winning by the exact score as well.
But just like she’s always done in previous games, Nicol showcased her superiority in the remaining two set, particularly the last one, to emerge as a worthy winner of the round.
“I was just holding my ground in the second and third games,” David said in a post-game interview.
“I just decided to settle down a little bit more, to stick with being consistent and gaining intensity and everything got a bit better. She made a few mistakes and that gave me some momentum.”
“I am really pleased to win that 3-1,” she said. “I knew I had to get sharper and play with more intensity and I think I did.”
David is set to play against Sara-Jane Perry, whom she defeated on Perry’s birthday during last year’s British Open. The two will be facing each on Friday, which is coincidentally Perry’s birthday again.
David remains confident of handing the Briton the same ‘birthday present’ just as the previous year but Perry is hoping to forward herself with much improved tactics.
Also, Malaysian number three Delia Arnold and world number two Raneem El Weleily of Egpyt, will also face each other on Friday for a coveted semi-final spot.
Photo credits: squashmad.com
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