Iskandar & Bailey Win NSC Titles In KL

Local hero Mohd Azlan Iskandar and England's Tania Bailey triumphed in today's men's and women's finals, respectively, of the NSC Series No5 Championships to bring the five-event series of international Squash events at the Bukit Jalil National Squash Centre in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur to a close.

Tania Bailey celebrated her first WISPA World Tour title success for almost three years - and the biggest of her career - when she beat Madeline Perry, the top seed from Ireland, in the climax of the women's $25,000 championship.

It was the 29-year-old fifth seed from Lincolnshire's third successive upset in three days, after notable victories over fourth-seeded New Zealander Shelley Kitchen in the quarter-finals and former world champion Vanessa Atkinson, the second seed, in the previous round.

Bailey's triumph comes after an injury-stricken period which included knee surgery last year and necessitated a four-month Tour layoff.

The former world No4, who finished outside the top 20 at the end of last year, can now look forward to a significant rankings boost in next month's WISPA list.

"I am really, really, pleased about winning the tournament," said Bailey. "It feels great and makes the trouble I have had over the last year and a half all worth it. To also beat Shelley, Vanessa and Madeline all in the same tournament is great! To be able to back up matches against the top players is a real bonus.

"It's been so long since I won a WISPA tournament (and I haven't won many either!) I forgot how good it feels!

"Last year there were times when it looked like I might not be able to play any more and where I didn't see any improvements in my knee for months at a time. There were even times when it actually got worse rather than better. I was always 100% dedicated to my rehab and I did absolutely everything I could do to help myself and, although it was extremely tough, I have definitely come out of it a stronger person.

"I have had great support through the EIS and England Squash in Manchester (where I practically lived for most of last year) - particularly the help I have had from Adam Wright, my sport psychologist. They have all helped me to get back on court. Also my family and friends have been great. When things were going badly, they were always there to take my mind off it.

"I am really enjoying playing now more than ever and realise how lucky I am to be doing what I am doing. I hope I can continue to play for many more years and hopefully maybe pick up a few more titles!"

Mohd Azlan Iskandar also celebrated a long-awaited return to the winner's podium after his success in the men's $20,000 PSA Tour event.

The 26-year-old top seed from KL, who was marking his 20th appearance in a Tour final, battled for 73 minutes to overcome Egypt's No2 seed Omar Mosaad 11-9, 11-5, 7-11, 6-11, 11-6.

The victory marks Iskandar's 11th Tour title - but the first since winning the KL Open in July 2007.

Men's final:
[1] Mohd Azlan Iskandar (MAS) bt [2] Omar Mosaad (EGY) 11-9, 11-5, 7-11, 6-11, 11-6 (73m)

Women's final:
[5] Tania Bailey (ENG) bt [1] Madeline Perry (IRL) 11-5, 11-8, 11-4 (42m)