Grainger Upsets Nicol, Barker Rules Men’s Final

KUALA LUMPUR, March 7 (Bernama) — Malaysian squash queen and world no. 1 Datuk Nicol David suffered an unexpected defeat to world No.4 Natalie Grainger in the women’s final of the 2009 CIMB Kuala Lumpur Open Squash Championship at Berjaya Times Square, here today.

Nicol, the top seed and defending champion, went down 8-11, 12-10, 7-11, 11-5 and 6-11 in 51 minutes to Grainger of the United States while men’s top seed Peter Barker lived up to his top billing by sweeping aside compatriot Adrian Grant to win the men’s crown in an All-English final.

“No doubt, she’s a strong contender. You just have to be at your best to beat her but my game was up and down today and she just took control when there was an opportunity.

“It was a close game though. She played well today. I just tried my best but I wish I had played better,” said Nicol when met after her match.

Nicol will fly back to Amsterdam to continue her training before deciding on her next tournament.

As the new champion of the Gold rated championship under the Women’s International Squash Players Association (WISPA) World Tour, Grainger received USD8,550 (RM29,500) and a trophy from the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir while Nicol received USD6,075 (RM20,900).

“It has been a long time since I beat Nicol. She (Nicol) is a true champion, she’s young and she has so many titles already. I am really pleased that today was my day.

“I just tried to relax and stay focus despite the many distractions…the crowd, the drums,” said Grainger.

In the men’s final, Barker scored a straight sets 11-6, 11-2 and 11-4 victory in 52 minutes to pocket the USD7,600 (RM26,500) prize money while Grant took home USD5,200 (RM18,000).

“This is my first win. I felt good throughout the match and was in good shape. This was my second appearance in Malaysia because I had played in the Malaysian Open a few years ago and lost in the quarterfinals. I probably will come back next year,” said Barker.

– BERNAMA

Related posts:

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2. Another venue for next year’s edition
3. Dominant David comes to terms with rare defeat
4. Nicol dealt tough draw for Kuala Lumpur Open
5. Nicol out to continue world domination