Nicol Confident Of Beating Sherbini In Quarterfinals Of 2016 Women's World Squash C'ships

KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's squash queen Nicol David (left) is confident of beating world number two, Egyptian Nour El Sherbini in the quarterfinals of the 2016 NAZA PSA Women's World Squash Championships. Despite losing all three previous meetings this season, the world number five player said it is important for her to put early pressure on the 20 year-old Egyptian in the first game to give her more confidence. "If I put pressure right from the start, I just have to stick what I have to do. It will an exciting match tomorrow (Thursday)," the eight-time world champions told reporters. Earlier, Nicol, the defending champion, fended off the strong challenge from world ranked 11th player, England's Alison Waters (right) to secure a 11-9, 11-3 and 11-5 win in 39 minutes in the second round match of the tournament at Nicol David Arena, National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil, here, Wednesday. Sherbini, the 2013 World Championships runner-up, on the other hand, had to go the distance before edging 11th seed, Annie Au of Hong Kong; before winning 11-5, 11-6, 6-11 and 11-3. On Wednesday's victory, Nicol said the match was easier compared to Tuesday's match against Australian Rachael Grinham despite struggling a bit against Alison in the first set. "I think every player want to start well (in the first set) and pick up the victory first which give you extra confidence. "Playing against Alison, you must not give her any confidence to play her game. I'm really dug deep and just played the right shots at the right time. I'm very pleased (with this victory)," said the 32-year-old Penangite. Meanwhile, Sherbini noted the match against Nicol would certainly be different despite winning all three previous meetings, namely the Tournament of Champions (Jan) and Windy City Open (Feb) which were held in the United States and the British Open (March). "Nicol is playing in her home town and in her own fortress but I will try to do my best. I know it will be a tough match. This is a prestigious tournament and certainly everyone will give their best," she said. "I think that I'm in good form but I'm sure Nicol is also in good form and prepared for the match. Its not going to be easy," said the 20-year-old Alexandria native. (photoBERNAMA) QUARTERFINALS FIXTURES: ------------------------ (Notes:[ ] denotes seedings) [1] Laura Massaro (ENG) vs [6] Omneya Abdel Kawy (EGY) [7] Amanda Sobhy (USA) vs [3] Raneem El Welily (EGY) [5] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) vs [2] NICOL DAVID (MAS) [8] Nouran Gohar (EGY) vs [4] Camille Serme (FRA) -- BERNAMA