Nicol David To Lead All-Star Cast in SRAM Invitational 2016
By Alex Wan – Squash Mad Asian Bureau Editor
Malaysia will play host to six leading ladies of the PSA World Tour in the 2016 Squash Rackets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) Invitational. The event, held from 27-31 July at the Nicol David Arena in the National Squash Centre, will see six players battle it out in two groups with a knockout playoff.
National squash icon Nicol David, the world number 4 will spearhead the Malaysian line up alongside the Malaysian number 2 Delia Arnold, currently ranked 18 in the world.
International participation will be led by Egypt’s Omneya Abdel Kawy (WR 8), New Zealand’s Joelle King (WR 9), India’s Joshna Chinappa (WR 10) and England’s Jenny Duncalf (WR 14).
SRAM General Manager and Secretary Christopher Brodie said the tournament is part of
SRAM’s programme for the top national players before the start of the new 2016-2017 season.
“It will give them an avenue to play and prepare at home before the Hong Kong Open in August,” said Brodie, adding that it will also serve Nicol and Delia an additional opportunity to prepare for the World Women’s Team Championship in Paris, France later in the year.
Nicol David, arguably one of the most popular person in Malaysia, quoted:
“This initiative to have a first ever invitational event is such a great addition to the Malaysian squash calendar as we have always hosted events during the month of July (referring to the Malaysian Open which has since been dropped).
We have the top PSA women players agreeing to participate and to make this event come together for our fellow Malaysian squash supporters to come cheer on and enjoy the high quality matches coming up next week.
Thanks to the combined efforts of SRAM and the Sports Science and Medicine assistance from ISN (Malaysian Sports Institute) that has created a unique event like no other in Malaysia. I’m really excited to compete in this event and look forward to welcoming the players coming to Kuala Lumpur to play with Delia and myself.”
All matches will be held at the National Squash Centre, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur. Entrance to the event is free of charge and matches from semi finals onwards will be broadcasted live on local satellite TV channel Astro Arena (channel 801).
Match Fixtures
Pictures courtesy of Sportspin Events and Athlete Management