All About Sport

NICOL David is just a match away from finally exorcising the demons of four years ago after she stormed into the Commonwealth Games squash women's final at the Siri Fort Sports Complex last night.

There was no stopping Nicol as she thumped Australia's Kasey Brown 11-6, 11-3, 11-3 in 45 minutes and will meet England's Jenny Duncalf in the final today. Jenny beat compatriot Alison Waters 6-11, 12-10, 11-9, 11-4 in the other semi-final.
The win looked effortless but Nicol said it was harder than it looked.
“It may have seemed like an easy win but it was a match of high intensity. She played some good squash but I played really well. I was moving effortlessly and felt really good on court,” said Nicol.

She looked good too as her drop shots caught Kasey several times but despite her good form, Nicol said the gold medal is not definite for her.
“I am in the final and that is a great feeling, especially after Melbourne four years ago. I desperately want to win but so does Jenny and both of us will come charging.”
Melbourne 2006 was a really low point in Nicol's career as not only did she not win gold but also failed to return with a medal after losing the bronze playoff.

“That was a big turning point in my career. I regrouped and took my game to a higher level after that.”
After all her domination of the women's game, and if she wins gold tonight, Nicol will complete the grand slam of squash.
The men's final will also see the top seed in action after England's Nick Matthew proved his class with a quality performance against teammate Peter Barker, beating him 11-9, 11-2, 11-9.

Matthew dominated from the start, frustrating Barker with some quality drop shots and forcing errors, to claim the first game 11-9.
The second game saw tempers flare as Barker lost his cool and punched the glass frame of the court after a decision went against him. Matthew continued attacking his opponent to win the second game 11-2.
Matthew continued the dominance and put on a clinical display in the third game, winning it 11-9.
The other semi-final between Malaysia's Azlan Iskandar and England's James Willstrop was played late last night.