Nicol David wins third Singapore Masters Squash Open in a row

Contributed by Joyce Poon

Kallang Squash Centre, Saturday, August 8, 2009 – World number 1 Nicol David underlined her dominance in women's squash by defeating Natalie Grinham 11-9, 11-8, 11-9 in 40 minutes.

It was a masterful performance for the 25-year-old from Penang who's now won all three of the CIMB Singapore Women's Masters tournaments so far. And in all three finals, she's met a Grinham in the final, beating Natalie this time and in 2007, and Rachael in between.

Chair Umpire Munir Shah gave both players lengthy introductions, and even sang a song, before play started.

Game 1 was cut-and-thrust as both players tried to work each other, with Grinham intent on keeping David at the back of the court with lobs. She was able to stay level with the World Champion until 8-8. That was when David was able to stretch ahead and wrap up the game.

Grinham came out firing in Game 2, mixing up her shots with good effect. From 6-1 in front, Grinham stretched the lead to 8-2. And that was when David started her clawing back the points, one by one. Playing patiently, the Malaysian won the next nine points to take the game.

It was disastrous for Grinham who could have made it one-game all but was now staring at a 0-2 deficit.

Given a sniff of victory, David was not about to let up in the third game. And despite a mid-game blip when she allowed Grinham to close the scores, she kept her composure complete the win.

"I thought I did quite well to put the pressure the Nicol throughout all three games. The second game was pretty important but I don't think I did much wrong, rather it was Nicol who fought her way back," the Dutch player said.

"The past couple of years I've struggled with injury, which hasn't helped, but now it's all coming good and I'm becoming stronger and stronger mentally. So I really want to come back and win Singapore," she added.

As for David, it was sweet to pick up her 39th WISPA title. More than that, she wants to keep her focus to stay ahead of the chasing pack.

"I think it's a matter of working on the little things, making sure I do everything right, instead of worrying about what others are doing. And to make sure I bring my best each time I step onto the court."

And for sure, Nicol David brought her best stuff for a third year running to Singapore.