Malaysia’s world number one Nicol David continued to demonstrate her domination of women’s squash by clinching the Tub O’Towels Cleveland Classic trophy in the USA without dropping a game throughout the tournament.
The 30-year-old from Penang beat Hong Kong’s Annie Au, celebrating her fourth successive appearance in the final of the Women’s Squash Association Gold 50 event at Cleveland Racquet Club in Cleveland, Ohio, by reclaiming the title.
But Au can hold her head high after becoming the first qualifier to reach the event’s climax – achieving her stunning run after dismissing three English world-top-10-ranked players in quick succession to set up the tournament’s first all-Asian final.
Indeed, the 24-year-old left-hander built up a 10-7 lead in the first game before David responded by saving the three game-balls, and then converting her own first to take the opener.
The Malaysian led throughout the second to extend her lead – and moved ahead from five-all in the third to close out the match 13-11, 11-5, 11-6 after 35 minutes to take the title for the second time.
“It’s a great feeling – you can’t describe it to people – to work that hard in training and have it pay off on the court,” said the jubilant David after her triumph.
It was the pair’s 12th Tour meeting – 16th if you include Asian Games and Asian Championship clashes – with Au still looking for a breakthrough win.
“Nicol is a top player – no matter how I played the ball she just went and got it,” summed up reigning Asian champion Au, the world No. 13, later.
The triumph marks David’s seventh WSA Tour title in a row – and the 73rd of her career.
