David rises to occasion as she regains British title

May 12, 2008

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LIVERPOOL (AFP) — Nicol David, the Asian sportswoman of the year, on Monday won back the British Open title she lost in such an upsetting fashion last year.

David triumphed 9-1, 10-8, 9-0 against Jenny Duncalf, the surprise finalist from England, making up for her defeat from match point up in last year's final.

That was against Rachael Grinham, the World Open champion from Australia, who was this year halted by Duncalf. But there was no way David was going to allow the giant-killer a follow-up.

The world number one from Malaysia was as superbly nimble as ever, and gave further evidence that she is developing into a better all round player, as she started and finished superbly.

In between David had to save a game point, but that was the only crisis moment in a match which she mostly dominated.

"This definitely meant a lot to me," she said after her 40-minute success in the world's oldest tournament.

"When I lost last year it was a huge disappointment. I was devastated, and I set about trying to find out how to be stronger this time."

She was, both physicaly and mentally. David began, as she had in both her previous two matches, a little slowly, but once she had gained the feel of the court and the conditions, started to play formidably well.

"After playing so many tournaments and so many finals, and with all the experiences, I have come back from the losses," she said, referring to the World Open as well as the British Open last year.

But she felt it was too early to talk about winning the World Open back as well.

"Now the girls are going to start seeking something else to play against me, so it could all be different by then," she said, referring to the October event.

"You can see what I am trying to do, become a better all round player, and still try to be as consistent as possible. But for the moment I feel very happy to have won this back."