Triumphant David calls for Olympic inclusion
Source: AFP |
August 20, 2012, Monday
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Print Edition
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MALAYSIA'S Nicol David won her second Australian Open crown when she beat England's Laura Massaro in straight games in Canberra yesterday, saying it was "heartbreaking" that squash was not in the Olympics.
The 28-year-old world No. 1 saved six game points in a crucial opening game before overwhelming Massaro 17-15, 11-2, 11-6 in an enthralling women's final.
Playing in front of legendary champion Heather McKay, the defending champion showed why she is considered the greatest player of the past decade, absorbing everything the Englishwoman threw at her before taking control.
David said it was a shame that a physically demanding sport such as squash was excluded from the Olympics. "I was in London for the Olympics and it was just heartbreaking to watch all the other sports knowing squash isn't part of it," she said.
"Squash players are some of the best athletes in the world. It's a sport truly for all-rounders. You need every skill and we really belong in the Olympics."
Men's champion Ramy Ashour, who beat fellow Egyptian Omar Mosaad 11-9, 11-9, 11-6 to claim his second consecutive title, also used his win to push for the inclusion of squash in the Olympics.
"We have a portable court that can be put anywhere in the world. It's very fast, very interesting, very exciting and everyone who ever watches squash always comes back," the 24-year-old said.
"I don't mean to be disrespectful, but I've seen a lot of other sports that don't belong in the Olympics when squash isn't in there."
The 28-year-old world No. 1 saved six game points in a crucial opening game before overwhelming Massaro 17-15, 11-2, 11-6 in an enthralling women's final.
Playing in front of legendary champion Heather McKay, the defending champion showed why she is considered the greatest player of the past decade, absorbing everything the Englishwoman threw at her before taking control.
David said it was a shame that a physically demanding sport such as squash was excluded from the Olympics. "I was in London for the Olympics and it was just heartbreaking to watch all the other sports knowing squash isn't part of it," she said.
"Squash players are some of the best athletes in the world. It's a sport truly for all-rounders. You need every skill and we really belong in the Olympics."
Men's champion Ramy Ashour, who beat fellow Egyptian Omar Mosaad 11-9, 11-9, 11-6 to claim his second consecutive title, also used his win to push for the inclusion of squash in the Olympics.
"We have a portable court that can be put anywhere in the world. It's very fast, very interesting, very exciting and everyone who ever watches squash always comes back," the 24-year-old said.
"I don't mean to be disrespectful, but I've seen a lot of other sports that don't belong in the Olympics when squash isn't in there."
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