New O3 Speedport Black Takes Nicol David To British Open Success

Prince squash star Nicol David, the world number one, has joined world number three James Willstrop in switching to the brand's latest development in its O3 racquet technology.

The record-breaking Malaysian adopted the Prince O3 Speedport Black racquet on the eve of this month's British Open - and went on to win the title for the third time after beating fellow Prince player Jenny Duncalf in the women's final in Liverpool.

In launching the new O3 Speedport racquet line, Prince is attacking the next frontier in squash equipment development by bringing a critical component to a player's game: EXTRA SPEED.

Racquet speed is a key ingredient in playing better squash: It determines how fast the ball travels and allows the player to hit a wider selection of shots with more precision. Until now, superior racquet speed has been achievable by only the best players in the world. Now all players can achieve the benefit of extra racquet speed!

The string holes, called Speedports, are sculpted like the air intake ducts on fighter planes and high-performance sports cars. They allow more air to pass through the frame more quickly, dramatically reducing aerodynamic drag.

O3 Speedport racquets are up to 24 percent faster through the air than traditional frames - increasing racquet head-speed through the entire swing pattern.

"For players of the calibre of Nicol David and James Willstrop - at the heights of their careers and both enjoying rich veins of form - to change racquets midway through the season is testament to the attributes of our ever evolving O3 technology," said Susi Capell, Product & Marketing Manager, Prince Sports Europe Ltd.

"Already, both players are achieving notable successes with Speedport," added Capell.

Nicol David won her first British Open title in October 2005, less than two weeks after signing to Prince and switching to O3 technology. Since then she has established a remarkable record, reaching the finals in 24 of the 26 WISPA World Tour events in which she has competed. The 2008 British Open was David's first title since adopting Speedport technology - but her 20th since joining Prince!

It was announced this week in Malaysia that Nicol David has won the 2007 Sportswoman of the Year award - receiving the Malaysian National Sports Award for an unprecedented fifth time, after also being honoured in 1999, 2003, 2005 and 2006.