Malaysia’s Nicol David won her second Australian Open crown when she beat England’s Laura Massaro in straight games Sunday, saying it was “heartbreaking” that squash was not in the Olympics. The 28-year-old world number one saved six game points in a crucial opening game before overwhelming Massaro 17-15, 11-2, 11-6 in an enthralling women’s final.
Playing in front of legendary champion Heather McKay, the defending champion showed why she is considered the greatest player of the past decade, absorbing everything the Englishwoman threw at her before taking control.
Massaro played almost perfect squash in the first game, slowing the pace and keeping David pinned to the back of the court, but her inability to convert the game points cost her dearly.
David came out firing in the second and although Massaro battled hard, the result was never in any doubt once the Malaysian had taken a two-love lead.
“It was hard to get Laura off my back. I had to really get stuck in there, it was mentally and physically tough,” David said. “I just knew I wasn’t letting that first game go, it was close. I’m just so glad to win it three-love.” David said it was a shame that a physically demanding sport such as squash was excluded from the Olympics. “I was in London for the Olympics and it was just heartbreaking to watch all the other sports knowing squash isn’t part of it,” she said.
“Squash players are some of the best athletes in the world. It’s a sport truly for all-rounders. You need every skill and we really belong in the Olympics.”
Men’s champion Ramy Ashour, who beat fellow Egyptian Omar Mosaad 11-9, 11-9, 11-6 to claim his second consecutive title, also used his win to push for the inclusion of squash in the Olympics.
