Kingston upon Hull: World champion Nicol David, hoping to revive her fortunes after taking only one title last year, reached the semi-finals of the British Open on Friday, beating Omneya Abdel Kawy, the sixth-seeded Egyptian, 11-4, 12-14, 12-10, 11-2.
The record-breaking Malaysian's tenacious effort happened shortly after another legend of the sport, Ramy Ashour, showed he has revived both his fortunes and an injury-wracked career.
The three-times former world champion from Egypt played his best match for a year and a half as he bounced and bounded around the court during an 11-8, 11-7, 9-11, 11-6 win over his compatriot Ali Farag.
David's success hinged on her consistency getting her through a pivotal third game.
During it Kawy's tactical brain and deft front court skills gained her a 7-5 lead, which was followed by a brief moment when she seemed likely to earn a game point before an uncharacteristically ill-placed drop conceded a penalty point.
David converted that chance immediately and it changed the match. She romped athletically through the fourth game with evident relief, given plenty of support from a vociferous visiting group from Amsterdam, her adopted home city.
"I had to fight right to the end, so I am pleased - and I am very pleased to get all that support," David said.
"It gives me extra energy to go out there and give it my all. I am feeling the energy from the crowd and I am putting it all out there."
David will next play Nour Sherbini, the dangerous 20-year-old winner of the Tournament of Champions in New York, who reached the other semi-final in the bottom half with an 11-4, 11-7, 14-12 win over Amanda Sobhy of the United States.
If David had to conquer repeated pressure of expectations, Ashour's performance was all the remarkable for having come on to the court feeling "a bit stressed" because his taxi was late. It was almost the only time he arrived late for anything.
His movement was a revelation, both for a man who has had so many physical breakdowns over the last 18 months and for those who saw his shackled, excruciating first round performance against Cesar Salazar of Mexico in which he went two games down before scrambling through.
Ashour next plays Gregory Gaultier, another star of the sport who has been out with injury.
In his first tournament in nine weeks since damaging ankle, the world champion from France reached the semi-finals with an impressive 11-6, 11-6, 11-8 win over Simon Rosner, the seventh-seeded German number one.
AFP
