WSA: Raneem topples Nicol to claim KL title

September 15, 2012 - 7:37am
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Raneem Stuns Crowds In Malaysia
Raneem El Weleily claimed an historic win over top seed Nicol David to prevent the number one seed from achieving her eighth title in the CIMB Malaysian Open final.
The world No.2, who beat Low Wee WernAlison WatersOmneya Abdel Kawy and qualifier Vanessa Raj on her way to the final, showed no fear coming up against David and demonstrated a cool head by finishing off a tiebreak first game despite previously holding three game-balls.

An Egyptian double at The Curve for Tarek and Raneem

Although the rallies stayed close and the points spread closer, David inched her way back into the game and after another tiebreak in the second game was able to stretch the two point lead needed to draw level.
After dropping games to Donna UrquhartAnnie Au and Laura Massaro en route to the final, David responded in each by upping the pace and dominating the remainder of proceedings.  El Weleily ensured that was not the case on this occasion with a run of blindingly accurate drop shots, whilst absorbing the world No.1’s counter-attacking efforts by confident volleying from the middle of the court.
A strong 11-6 win for the Egyptian left the Malaysian crowd wondering what David would have to do to regain a foothold in the match.  As the fourth game commenced, the signs were clear that the 23-year-old Egyptian had her sights set firmly on the title and she closed out the fourth game 11-2, inflicting David’s heaviest game defeat since 2007.
A spectacular all-round performance from the Egyptian means that David will have to wait until the end of the month to attempt to break the long standing record for most WSA titles won, as she currently sits level with women’s squash great, Sarah Fitzgerald.
A milestone fifth WSA title for Raneem El Weleily, in her second month as world No.2, unquestionably strengthening her position in the rankings and laying down the gauntlet for those ranked not only below her, but to the one remaining player she has yet to catch.
Final:
[2] Raneem El Weleily (EGY) bt [1] Nicol David (MAS) 12-10, 11-13, 11-6, 11-2
Semi-finals:
[1] Nicol David (MAS) vs [4] Laura Massaro (ENG) 10-12, 11-6, 11-7, 11-8
[11] Low Wee Wern (MAS) vs [2] Raneem El Weleily (EGY) 11-8, 9-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-9

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