Golden Girl Nicol David Wins Historic Malaysian Open Title

Malaysian squash star Nicol David is proving that everything she touches in 2005 turns to gold. Defeated only twice this year, the 21-year-old from Penang returned to her home country after winning the gold medal in the World Games in Germany - then created history by becoming the first local player to win the Women's CIMB Malaysian Open title in the prestigious event's 31-year history.

David, the third seed, made her breakthrough in the semi-finals in Kuala Lumpur where she beat Australia's world number one Rachael Grinham for the second time in less than ten days. Twice behind, the world No3 fought back to repeat her World Games final victory by defeating Grinham 6-9 9-6 3-9 9-3 9-7 in 66 minutes.

Grinham's younger sister put up a similar fight in the other semi - but fourth seed Natalie Grinham also failed to capitalise on a 2/1 lead as she went down 0-9 9-5 5-9 9-3 9-4 in 48 minutes to world champion Vanessa Atkinson.

However, the Malaysian was too strong for her Netherlands training partner in the final as David fought from behind for the second successive day to register a 3-9 9-3 1-9 9-1 9-4 victory in 52 minutes over Atkinson.

It was third time lucky for the Penangite, who lost to Atkinson in the 2004 final, and to England's Cassie Jackman the year before. The victory brings David's title haul to five this year.

Final:
[3] Nicol David (MAS) bt [2] Vanessa Atkinson (NED) 3-9, 9-3, 1-9, 9-1, 9-4 (52m)