10 in a row – but can Nicol David do it again at this year’s Hong Kong Squash Open?
Former world number one faces stiff challenge from younger aggressive brigade, including Egyptian Nour El Sherbini, at the star-studded Cathay Pacific Sun Hung Kai Hong Kong Open on August 21-28
Can she do it again? Squash superstar Nicol David of Malaysia has won Hong Kong’s annual open 10 years in a row – but she faces a daunting task to keep the magic going against a star-studded line-up next month.
Now aged 32 and her world ranking down to No 4, David’s impressive unbeaten run in the city will be under serious threat at the Cathay Pacific Sun Hung Kai Hong Kong Open on August 21-28.
In 2005, she won the World Open title in Hong Kong, which sparked her 10 in a row, but now the challenge comes from a bunch of aggressive younger players from Egypt headed by world number one Nour El Sherbini.
“Before it was easy to predict the women’s final as it’s always been between David and another player, but it may not be the same story this year,” said Annie Au Wing-chi, Hong Kong’s leading player who ranks 11th in the world.
“David is not young any more and will face many high quality players. But the Malaysian always brims with confidence when playing in Hong Kong and will not easily surrender her crown without putting up a fight. It will be interesting.”