CIMB KL Open Squash 2009: First Round - Go Nicol David!

From AzuanZahdi.com

It’s time for KL Open Squash Championship once again, an international tournament with players coming from all corners of the world. Many are aware of my ‘link’ with squash. Although I have never played the game nor a big fan of the game, I’ve had the ‘squash connection’ through my very first web project back in 1998 known as the “Nicol David Online” which is still around for 11-consecutive years.

Throughout my stint as a webmaster of NicolDavidOnline.com, I’ve managed to watch a few Nicol David games whenever there are tournaments in Malaysia. My previous Malaysia Open report/photos can be read here.

A few hours ago, I had the chance once again to attend a Nicol David game at 2009 CIMB KL Open Championship. Here are some photos. My apology for the quality of the photos as it was very dark at the spectators stand and my camera is far from being ‘professional equipment. Nevertheless, enjoy!

The Tournament banner/bunting, good souvenir, no? hehe

When I arrived, the arena was filled up to about 60%. They were either players, coaches, family members, media or cleaners. I felt a bit out-of-place as I don’t belong in any of these categories of people. It’s normal as seldom there are outsiders on the 1st round held on a working day.

My timing was right. Nicol is warming up when I arrived.

I wonder what music she listens to….

Looking good….

Madeline Perry of Ireland, the opponent for today

I was sandwiched in between reporters and their crew (video, photographers)

ESPN was there as well

I accidentally bumped into the reporter….felt bad for her, got too excited trying to take Nicol’s photos.

Let the game begins…

Nicol

“head or tail”?

It was a short 26-minutes straight set game. A good start for Nicol.

Well done..

A kiss from her Dad.

The After-Game Interview

Before I left, managed to snap a few photos of Sharon Wee playing against Jenny Duncalf. Too bad she lost, otherwise would be great to see her in the quarters.

Anyone up to cover the remaining games till this weekend at Berjaya Times Square? I’ll be away for the rest of the week.

A Great Example of Using a Top Sporter to Promote a Brand

By Claire I Powell

E-Sporters.com

This picture appeared on the front and back covers of The Edge (business magazine) promoting CIMB. If you did not already know, this lady is the number 1 in the world in squash, a Malaysian woman called Nicol David.

This is a great example of using a top sporter to promote a brand and its values and its determination to ride through the current economic crisis. Nicol went on to win the Malaysian open to top it off for CIMB.

The important thing for CIMB is to ensure that it lives up to the brand values it is promoting by associating itself this this ultimate champion, ie. determination, skill, strength, durability, self belief, dependability and the ability to keep smiling in tough times too. If CIMB does not live up to those values, it will be not only disappointing its customers, but also devaluing the Nicol David brand.

This issue of sponsorship being a long term partnership between sporter and sponsor in terms of brand building, is something I am trying to encourage on the sports community site I built e-sporters.com. Through the site, sponsors and sporters/teams alike can check each other out, network, build relationships and create a win win for both parties.

If you are either a sporter or from an organisation which supports sporters in achieving their goals - you should register at the site (it is free to register).

Photos by NicolDavidOnline, to view more..

CIMB Malaysian Open 2008 Report

Exclusive from NicolDavidOnline.com

The CIMB Malaysian Open 2008 was held at the National Squash Centre, Bukit Jalil and The Curve Damansara from 23rd to 26th July 2008. As we are all aware of, Nicol David successfully defended her title by beating World Number 2, Natalie Grinham 11-1,11-4, 11-6 in a 31-minutes final.

Being a home tournament, NicolDavidOnline.com fans were there to witness world-class squash throughout the tournament. During the finals myself, and the website Editor (and heartbeat!) of the site, Ms Lorraine Siew along with other fans were there to cheer for Nicol. We had fun witnessing the easy win and meeting with each other.

Here are some photos exclusively provided by 1880 Photography for NicolDavidOnline.com. Many thanks to the photographer.

It was a fully packed arena on the finals. Tickets were sold out an hour before the first match.




Tickets were sold at the venue and cost RM30. We were told that RM30 will be for grandstand seating which has the best view. Programme book and the ticket.



The Men’s final was an all-Malaysian affair and despite this fact, it was an entertaining 5-set thriller with Ong Beng Hee winning the game with some nice shots throughout the game. Kudos to both players



A satisfying win for Ong Beng Hee



Then it was the time everyone was waiting for. Nicol David vs Natalie Grinham.


Natalie Grinham waiting for her turn to get into action


The crowd turns wild when Nicol was introduced! Some familiar faces in the crowd.


Some of the fans!




Some of the photos from the game. Too bad we were seated at the side of the court since the grandstand was fully occupied. I share the disappointment of many fans who paid the same amount of ticket price only to be given seats with poor view. I was seating just in front of the crowd who stands outside the area and pay absolutely nothing. Definitely an area to be improved in future tournaments here in Curve.





Easy lead. Nicol never let Natalie to get in front of her in terms of scoring.


End of 1st set






2nd Set



3rd Set..GAME OVER!



….and it was over. Natalie accepted the defeat in a very positive way! Kudos for still being able to smile.



The Champion


Tired look


Some other expression of a champion








That’s all from this year’s CIMB Malaysian Open. We hope to be able to deliver similar coverage for other tournaments through NicolDavidOnline. Let’s hope SRAM will allow us some good seats or media pass for future tournaments. After all having 200+ visitors/fans a day visiting the website can’t be bad for Squash development in Malaysia.

Cheers!

p/s: NicolDavidOnline is starting to accept suggestions for Nicol David Birthday Gift. Talk to us!