Melbourne dates lined up for Malaysian megastar
By ROSS SOLLY
Squash Australia is delighted to announce a partnership with Malaysian squash queen Nicol David which brings her to the Australian Open in Melbourne in August.
Nicol spent 100 months at world number 1 between 2006 and 2015 and she is optimistic about reclaiming her world number 1 position.
Nicol is excited to be back in Australia since the last Australian Open she attended four years ago in Canberra.
“Such fond memories winning the title then too. I always like to be in Australia and it’s no coincidence I’m working with the best coach, Liz Irving, who has taken Australia to win world titles in her career to grasp the true Aussie authentic flair of the game,” Nicol said.
The Malaysian player’s most recent achievement was a semi-final finish in the Dubai PSA World Series Finals held last month. She had previously secured back-to-back PSA World Series Finals in the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons. However, she lost to the world number 3, Egyptian Raneem El Welily, in the semi-finals of the 2015-16 play-offs.
Furthermore, Nicol was titled the Female Spirit of Squash Player for demonstrating the spirit of squash through true sportsmanship, camaraderie and fair play on and off the court.
While attending the Australian Open, Nicol will be participating in two exhibition matches prior to both the semi-finals on August 11 and 12.
“I am looking forward to the exhibition matches lined up for me and making the most of my off season training leading up to the match-ups in Melbourne,” said Nicol.
Following the conclusion of the finals, Squash Australia will be hosting the Annual Awards Night at the Grand Ballroom of the Mercure Hotel, Albert Park which Nicol will also be attending. The Australian Open runs from the August 7-12, 2016 at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.
“I am delighted to be part of the awards night. It will be great to have an evening in honour of the winners of the tournament and other award winners that is deserving of an award for their role in squash throughout Australia,” Nicol said.
With award winners, government delegates, board members, hall of fame members and some of Australia’s best players, the night is sure to be full of entertainment and enjoyment.
The night offers a three-course meal and drinks package that celebrates the award winners from nine different categories. Sponsorship packages are also available.
More information on the evening and ticket purchases can be found by visiting the Squash Australia Annual Awards webpage.
Squash Australia is excited to welcome Nicol back to Australia for what are sure to be some thrilling exhibition matches and a memorable Awards Night.
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Pictures from Squash Mad archive