Squash: David claims second Australian Open

CANBERRA: Malaysia’s Nicol David won her second Australian Open crown when she beat England’s Laura Massaro in straight games yesterday, saying it was ‘heartbreaking’ that squash was not in the Olympics. The 28-year-old world number one saved six game points in a crucial opening game before overwhelming Massaro 17-15, 11-2, 11-6 in an enthralling women’s final. The defending champion showed why she is considered the greatest player of the past decade, absorbing everything the Englishwoman threw at her before taking control. “It was hard to get Laura off my back,” said David. I had to really get stuck in there, it was mentally and physically tough. I just knew I wasn’t letting that first game go, it was close. I’m just so glad to win it three-love.” In the men’s final, Egyptian Ramy Ashour beat compatriot Omar Mosaad 11-9, 11-9, 11-6 to claim his second consecutive title.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 20^th, 2012.