No problems for Nicol but fourth seed Waters is rocked by Sherbini
SEVEN-TIME world champion Nicol David had no problems dispatching Egyptian qualifier Heba El Torky in the second round of the Women’s World Championship in Penang, but it was three-times world junior champ Nour Sherbini who stole the show.
The 18-year-old, Egyptian,who is ranked only No.27 in the world from a career high of No.4 following a lengthy injury layoff last year, was massively impressive as she doused the challenge of current world No.4 Alison Waters.
Sherbini took charge in the middle and made the Englishwoman work the corners as she chalked up an 11-3, 11-9, 7-11, 11-3 win in 41 minutes.
“I’m very happy because this is the first time that I have beaten Alison, and this is also the first time that I have progressed to the quarter-finals of the worlds,” said Sherbini, who will go on to meet world No.5 Joelle King of New Zealand in the quarter-finals.
“It’s a really good win for me and it’s for my mother (Randa) who was so nervous watching me play. Definitely hoping to keep this run going.”
Waters who celebrated her 30th birthday on Wednesday admitted that Sherbini was the better player on the day.
“Not the best way after my birthday but Sherbini played really well. She was confident and was controlling the T. The headstart she had was just too much for me.”
But while Sherbini was on a giant-killing run, having already beaten 12th seed Kasey Brown of Australia in the first round, fellow countrywoman El Torky had no such luck against world No.1 Nicol.
Backed by a superb home crowd, Nicol romped to a 11-6, 11-3. “Heba was probably nervous…but she came back pretty strong. Still I’m glad I managed to keep it pretty tight,” said Nicol who will meet France’s Camille Serme next.
Malaysian No.2 Low Wee Wern (ABOVE) also came through, but not before surviving a third-set charge by Canada No.1 Samantha Cornett.
World No.7 Wee Wern proved her worth as she delighted the crowd with the 11-8, 11-3 11-9 win. “I didn’t know what to expect against Sam as I’ve never played and she gave everything she had in the third game,” said Wee Wern.
“But I’m pleased with the result and I’m playing well. Hoping to go further tomorrow,” added the young Penangite who will make her fourth straight quarter-final appearance
She will however be in for a massive challenge, going up against world No.2 Laura Massaro in the last eight. Massaro overpowered compatriot and doubles partner Jenny Duncalf 11-9, 11-6, 11-4 in 34 minutes.
In the day’s other results, 37-year-old Madeline Perry defied age and logic as she battled hard from two sets down to beat Sarah-Jane Perry 7-11, 10-12, 11-9, 11-9, 11-6.
“I’m still only 37, so I feel fine,” joked Perry. “But really, I’m not as tired because the rallies were not so long and I’m definitely looking forward to the quarter-finals.”
2nd round:
[1] Nicol David (MAS) bt [Q] Heba El Torky (EGY) 11-6 11-3 11-4 (24m)
[8] Camille Serme (FRA) bt Nicolette Fernandes (GUY) 14-12 11-5 11-3 (38m)
Nour El Sherbini (EGY) bt [4] Alison Waters (ENG) 11-3 11-9 7-11 11-3 (41m)
[5] Joelle King (NZL) bt [13] Omneya Abdel Kawy (EGY) 11-8 11-4 11-4 (36m)
[7] Madeline Perry (IRL) bt [15] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) 7-11 10-12 11-9 11-9 11-6
[3] Raneem El Welily (EGY) bt [10] Dipika Pallikal (IND)11-7 11-7 11-1 (26m)
[6] Low Wee Wern (MAS) bt [Q] Samantha Cornett (CAN) 11-8 11-3 11-9 (42m)
[2] Laura Massaro (ENG) bt [9] Jenny Duncalf (ENG) 11-9 11-6 11-4 (34m)