Undefeated throughout this year, Malaysia's world number one Nicol David hopes to be in ‘seventh heaven’ next week in the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh where she is seeded to win her seventh WISPA World Tour squash title of the year at The Soho Square World Open.
The 2010 Women's World Open, the premier championship on the women’s tour and first in the event’s 31-year history to be held in Egypt, boasts a record prize fund of $147,000.
The tournament, from 18-22 September, will be staged on an all-glass show court at Soho Square Sharm El Sheikh, part of the premier resort in Sharm El Sheikh’s shopping and entertainment complex where a successful Soho Square WISPA Tour event was held in 2009.
Nicol David, Malaysia’s most successful sportswoman of all-time, is back at the top of her game after contrasting fortunes over the two previous years: In 2008, the 27-year-old from Penang secured ten titles in a row without defeat, yet the following year suffered four shock defeats while ‘only’ picking up seven Tour titles.
David is delighted to be competing in Sharm El Sheikh for the first time: “I've been to Sharm for a day trip, but this is my first time playing there - so I'm even more excited about it.
“I've heard all good things of how the event has been run in the previous squash tournaments held there - and to be at a beach resort is an added bonus!
“As Egypt is a big power house for squash overall, this is a great chance to showcase the sport while giving us players a chance to play in a brand new location with perks.”
2010 has proved to be a great year already for the Malaysian Squash Princess: In July, David reached her eighth Malaysian Open final in a row, then celebrated her sixth successive success – and in last month’s Hong Kong Open clocked up her 47th Tour title in the 62nd Tour final appearance of her career.
“I'm enjoying everything about the tour and it's been great so far with the tournaments,” admitted the modest Penangite. “No doubt it's always hard work keeping up with things but I love the game so much that it keeps me going.”
Success in Sharm El Sheikh would give Nicol David a record fifth World Open title – an achievement she would share with close friend and mentor Sarah Fitz-Gerald, the distinguished Australian who retired with 62 WISPA Tour titles to her credit.
“Equalling her record would certainly be an amazing accomplishment for me, especially knowing that Sarah has done it all in the squash world and she really is a true champion,” said David.
“But at the moment, my main focus is working on a performance base and the results will follow accordingly.”
Nicol David begins her 2010 world title campaign against a qualifier – and is scheduled to face Jenny Duncalf, the world No2 and second seed from England, in the final.
1st round draw:
[1] Nicol David (MAS) v Qualifier
[12] Raneem El Weleily (EGY) v Qualifier
[8] Natalie Grinham (NED) v Low Wee Wern (MAS)
[14] Samantha Teran (MEX) v Isabelle Stoehr (FRA)
[4] Alison Waters (ENG) v Qualifier
[9] Laura Massaro (ENG) v Qualifier
[7] Natalie Grainger (USA) v Sarah Kippax (ENG)
[15] Vanessa Atkinson (NED) v Qualifier
[11] Kasey Brown (AUS) v Qualifier
[6] Madeline Perry (IRL) v Delia Arnold (MAS)
[16] Jaclyn Hawkes (NZL) v Donna Urquhart (AUS)
[3] Rachael Grinham (AUS) v Qualifier
[10] Camille Serme (FRA) v Qualifier
[5] Omneya Abdel Kawy (EGY) v Aisling Blake (IRL)
[13] Engy Kheirallah (EGY) v Joelle King (NZL)
[2] Jenny Duncalf (ENG) v Annie Au (HKG)
For all the latest information, check out the official website: www.sohosquareworldopen.com/2010