PETALING JAYA: Malaysia eased into the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Team squash championship with an easy 2-0 win over the Czech Republic in the second round in Nimes, France.

The Malaysian women, led by world No. 1 Nicol David, are seeking their first world team title to improve on their third placing in the last three editions.

They got straight down to business as national No. 3 Delia Arnold (pic) needed just 21 minutes to brush aside Kristyna Alexova 11-1, 11-3, 11-5.

Nicol then sent the team through to the last eight by whipping Lucie Fialova 11-3, 11-5, 11-4 in just 24 minutes.

Having won the tie, national No. 2 Low Wee Wern was not required to play in the dead rubber.

The third seeded Malaysians face fifth seeds New Zealand in the quarter-finals.

The Kiwis did not have a smooth ride as they struggled to beat Canada 2-1.

New Zealand were shocked in the first tie when Canadian No. 3 Susannah King turned the tables on Kylie Lindsay and won 11-4, 9-11, 9-11, 11-7, 11-2.

World No. 5 Joelle King then levelled for New Zealand by beating Samantha Cornett 8-11, 11-6, 11-2, 11-3.

Jaclyn Hawkes then sealed the comeback by downing Alexandra Norman 11-5, 13-11, 11-9.

National coach Peter Genever was confident that Malaysia would make the semi-finals for a potential clash with England.

“It was a good result against the Czechs. After winning the first two ties we agreed not to play the third. Wee Wern, instead, had a training session with me.” said Genever.

“Delia was too good for her opponent and won easily while Nicol played her best squash of the week.

“After watching how New Zealand fared against Canada, I’m certain we can beat them.

“The order of play will be 1, 2, 3, so Nicol will go up against Joelle first. However, this match will be a real step up from the matches we’ve played so far”

Seventh seeds Ireland ended the hopes of hosts France with a stylish 3-0 win and will take on top seeds England in the last eight.

Second seeds Egypt also went through by beating Mexico 3-0 while fourth seeds Hong Kong had to rely on a superb comeback by world No. 9 Annie Au before beating South Africa 2-1.

The only upset of the day came from 10th seeded India who edged Holland 2-1. The reigning Asian team champions face Egypt next.

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