Commonwealth Games: Nicol David dominates again

MALAYSIA’S Nicol David proved why she’s world number one squash player with a solid quarter final win over Jenny Duncalf of England.

Nicol David of Malaysia and Jenny Duncalf of England in action during the quarter finals of the Women's Squash at Scotstoun Sports Campus. Picture: Getty

Spectators packed the glass show court arena at Scotstoun to see both the men’s and women’s singles quarter-finals take place.

It was a repeat line-up of the women’s singles final at Delhi four years ago, but Duncalf arguably made this game a more competitive one.

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The first two sets were tight as David won 11-9, 11-7, before the Englishwomen took the third set.

Although, hopes of a comeback faded when the number one took the third set to book her place in the semi-finals. Duncalf said: “It was a great contest, I think I played well. It’s always disappointing to lose and in an atmosphere like today I just wanted to keep playing. I was more accurate in the third game but the fourth was weak and it got away from me.”

The number eight seed hadn’t played on the glass show court until today, however she insisted she felt comfortable.

Nicol David is arguably one of the finest female squash players ever. She has been world number one since 2006 but even at her level, she admitted after today’s match she was off to “get a little snooze”.

When asked how she maintains her number one status, David said: “I take every year as it comes and try to keep improving. I’ve got a good coach, Liz Irving, who’s a mentor to me and helps me stay on top. It’s not easy, however it’s a challenge that I love.”

Current gold medal holder Nick Matthew is on route for another Commonwealth gold as he progressed to the semi-finals.

His opponent was Chris Simpson who, according to Matthew, was “oozing pride playing for Guernsey”.

Matthew said: “Chris is a regular training partner of mine and he was inspired at times today. It was very tough to break him down but I think that’ll stand me in good stead for tomorrow night.”

It’s been just over a month now since Matthew’s minor knee operation and he was glad to get more match fitness under his belt.

He faces fellow Englishman Peter Barker in the semi-final tomorrow. Barker also won his match 3-0 against Australia’s Cameron Pilley. Joelle King, from New Zealand, progressed into the women’s semi finals with a 3-0 win over Northern Ireland’s Madeline Perry.