PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian women got off to a flying start in the Women’s World Teams squash championships by making the second round after comprehensive wins in their opening group matches in Nimes, France.

Malaysia, powered by world No. 1 Nicol David, have never won the world team title – their best result being third placing in the last three editions.

But confidence is high in the team following Nicol’s return to form and Low Wee Wern’s rise to No. 7 in the world rankings.

The team were all business-like as they swept past China 3-0 in their opening Group C tie on Monday.

Nicol thrashed Li Dongjin 11-3, 11-8, 11-5 while Wee Wern and national No. 3 Delia Arnold also recorded straighforward wins.

The Malaysians showed no signs of fatigue as they returned to the court later to beat South Africa 3-0.

Yesterday, the Malaysian women continued their fine form by whipping minnows Spain 3-0.

Once again fielding a full strength side, Delia gave Malaysia the lead by beating fourth ranked Spanish player Chantal Moros-Pita 11-3, 11-3, 11-2.

China Open champion Wee Wern then sealed the win by defeating Cristina Gomez 11-3, 11-3, 11-3 before Nicol took to courts and easily dispatched Xisela Aranda Nune 11-2, 11-3, 11-7.

Meanwhile, England and Egypt flexed their muscles as the tournament favourites by easily booking their last 16 spot.

There were upsets, however, as 10th-seeded India stunned seventh seeds Ireland 2-1 before beating Argentina 3-0 to top Group G.

Hosts France also gave the home crowd much to cheer by beating eighth seeds Holland 2-1 in Group H.

In other matches on Monday, England and Egypt flexed their muscles as the tournament favourites by easily booking their last 16 spot.

There were upsets, however, as 10th-seeded India stunned seventh seeds Ireland 2-1 in Group G while hosts France gave the home crowd much to cheer by beating eighth seeds Holland 2-1 in Group H.

RESULTS

Group A: England bt Mexico 3-0, England bt South Korea 3-0.
Group B: Egypt bt Wales 3-0, Egypt bt Scotland 3-0.
Group C: Malaysia bt China 3-0 (Nicol David bt Li Dongjin 11-3, 11-8, 11-5; Low Wee Wern bt Gu Jinyue 11-3, 11-3, 11-3; Delia Arnold bt Xiu Chen 11-3, 11-8, 11-5), South Africa bt Spain 3-0, China bt Spain 2-1, Malaysia bt South Africa 3-0 (Nicol David bt Siyoli Waters 11-5, 7-11, 11-2, 11-2; Low Wee Wern bt Diana Haynes 11-9, 11-5, 11-2; Delia Arnold bt Milnay Loouw 11-8, 8-11, 11-6, 11-6); Malaysia bt Spain 3-0 (Nicol David bt Xisela Aranda Nune 11-2, 11-3, 11-7; Low Wee Wern bt Cristina Gomez 11-3, 11-3, 11-3; Delia Arnold bt Chantal Moros Pita 11-3, 11-3, 11-2), South Africa bt China 3-0.
Group D: Hong Kong bt Czech Republic 3-0, Columbia bt Namibia 3-0, Hong Kong bt Columbia 3-0, Czech Republic bt Namibia 3-0; Hong Kong bt Namibia 3-0.
Group E: New Zealand bt USA 3-0, New Zealand bt Japan 3-0; USA bt Japan 2-1.
Group F: Australia bt Canada 3-0, Australia bt Austria 3-0.
Group G: India bt Ireland 2-1, Ireland bt Argentina 3-0; India bt Argentina 3-0.
Group H: France bt Holland 2-1, Holland bt Germany 3-0.

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