David looks to lift Malaysian spirits

Star squash player hopes to win another world title.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s world number one Nicol David warned competition was now tougher than ever as she sets out to defend her title at the world women’s squash championships on her home island of Penang.

The peerless David, who has won a record seven world titles and has held the top ranking since 2006, is the hot favourite to lift the trophy for the eighth time.

The 30-year-old can help boost Malaysian spirits after the disappearance of Malaysian Airlines Flight 370 with 239 passengers on board  which caused widespread shock.

David has made a turbo-charged start to the year, winning back-to-back titles at the Tournament of Champions and Cleveland Classic in January and February.

But despite being the overwhelming favourite in Penang, she said it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep her challengers at bay.

“There is not much separating the top 10 players and the gap is certainly getting closer” said David.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 18^th, 2014.

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