Monday January 7, 2013
Nicol sets up revenge clash with Laura after thumping semis win
PETALING JAYA: World No.1 Nicol David set up a revenge match against Laura Massaro after whipping France’s Camille Serme 11-5, 11-8 in the semi-finals of the World Series Finals at the Queen’s Club, London, on Saturday.
Seven-time world champion Nicol suffered a surprise hiccup when she lost to home favourite Massaro in the group matches on Thursday.
But Nicol, as usual, bounced back in style on Friday by beating the experienced Natalie Grinham of Holland in her final group match to make the semi-finals.
And on Saturday, the 29-year-old defending champion was in fine form as she demolished Serme in just 23 minutes to make the final.
Massaro, however, had a much tougher time. She came back from a set down to beat compatriot Jenny Duncalf 6-11, 11-8, 11-9, in the other semi-final.
“I’m expecting another strong challenge from Massaro, whom I beat in the World Open final in Cayman Islands,” said Nicol on www.squashsite.co.uk. “In our pool match, Laura was just playing better on the day. I’m looking forward to playing against her in the final and putting it all out there,” added Nicol.
While Massaro agreed that beating Nicol in the group matches did give her an added confidence boost, she admitted that it would be tough to beat her again.
In the men’s event, defending champion Amr Shabana of Egypt once again rolled back the years to disappoint the home crowd by beating James Wilstrop 11-7, 8-11, 11-7 in 45 minutes.
The 33-year-old Shabana, who is a four-time world champion, will face Nick Matthew, also of England, in the final.
Results
Semi-Finals
Women: Nicol David (Mas) bt Camille Serme (Fra) 11-5, 11-8; Laura Massaro (Eng) bt Jenny Duncalf (Eng) 6-11, 11-8, 11-9. Men: Amr Shabana (Egy) bt James Wilstrop (Eng) 11-7, 8- 11, 11-7; Nick Matthew (Eng) bt Gregory Gaultier (Fra) 10-12, 11-9, 11-8.
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