Thursday, March 28, 2024

David drops out of Windy City Open

Malaysian duo Nicol and Wee Wern set to miss Windy City Open

WORLD number one Nicol David has pulled out of the Windy City Open in Chicago later this month.

The 30-year-old, who extended her unbeaten streak to 35 matches by winning the Cleveland Classic last week, has withdrawn from the $50,000 tournament to focus her efforts on winning an eighth World Open title in her home state of Penang next month.

In a further blow to organisers, fellow Malaysian and world number six Low Wee Wern is a major doubt for the WSA Gold event after suffering a thigh injury during her first round loss to Egyptian Omneya Abdel Kawy in Cleveland.

Wee Wern, who is scheduled to face India’s Dipika Pallikal in the opening round, is currently undergoing rehabilitation and is understandably cautious about returning to competitive action too quickly. 

“I suffered the injury because I played three tournaments in a row and it took a toll on my body,” the 2014 Greenwich Open runner-up told The Star Online.

“I will only know by next week whether I will be able to play in the Windy City Open. I don’t want to risk aggravating the injury. What is important for me is to play in the World Open.

“With the home ground advantage and the supports of fans, I hope to go beyond the quarter-finals this year. A good result in the World Open might also help me break into the top five of the world rankings,” added the 23-year-old (pictured above)

Wee Wern is seeded to face world number three Raneem El Weleily in the last eight of the Windy City Open and could gain a psychological advantage over one of her closest rivals ahead of the delayed 2013 Women’s World Championship next month.

Elsewhere, world number two Laura Massaro is seeded first at the Chicago event and faces a qualifier in her opening round.

Fellow Englishwomen Alison Waters and Jenny Duncalf are also in action, while Camille Serme will be hoping to  build on her recent strong form when she faces new WSA President Kasey Brown of Australia in the last 16.

Windy City Open (26 February – 03 March) – First round Draw

[1] Laura Massaro (ENG) v Qualifier
[8] Jenny Duncalf v Annie Au (HKG)
[3] Alison Waters (ENG) v Qualifier
[7] Camille Serme (FRA) v Kasey Brown (AUS)
[6] Madeline Perry (IRL) v Qualifier
[WC] Aisling Blake (IRL) v [4] Joelle King (NZL)
Dipika Pallikal (IND) v [5] Low Wee Wern (MAS)
[2] Raneem El Welily (EGY) v Qualifier

Source: The Star; Picture by Steve Cubbins (SquashSite)

Read more

Latest News