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SCMP Reporter

Nicol David made history last night when the Malaysian sensation became the first Asian and the youngest woman to win the World Open - just a day after she assured herself of becoming the world number one when the rankings are released next month.

The 22-year-old from Penang was unbeatable, subduing the current world number two Rachael Grinham 8-10, 9-2, 9-6, 9-7 in the final.

The newly crowned champion takes home $80,000 after her unprecedented success.

'It is a dream come true here in Hong Kong, in front of everyone including my parents,' David said. 'I'm still not sure how I feel about all this. I am stunned.  It's just hard to believe the competition is finally over.

'The championship has arrived sooner than I had expected,' she added. 'But it is just the beginning of my career and I still have plenty to learn.'

Her father, Desmond, said he was very proud of his daughter's achievement. 'She has worked very hard,' he said.

'I didn't think she would get there [being the world champion] so soon but it's difficult to work out a timetable. I am just so happy about it.'

David, the three-time Asian champion, turned pro in 2000 and has greatly improved her performance this year, taking the British Open title last October and reaching the semi-finals at last month's Qatar Classic Open in Doha.

David got off to a slow start in last night's final, losing the first set, but came back strongly against the Cairo-based Australian.

'I gave my all when I started the game but as the weather was getting cold, Grinham took control,' David said. 'After the second set, I worked hard to hit the balls higher and keep her behind me.'

Grinham won $54,000 for second place, while semi-finalists Vanessa Atkinson and Natalie Grinham were awarded $32,000 each.



Malaysia's David strikes blow for Asians