Women's squash: Revenge opportunity for David

World No 1 Nicol Ann David will get her chance of revenge in Thursday's final of the women's singles squash tournament. Four years ago, the Malaysian was so upset at losing to Hong Kong, China's Chiu Wing Yin in the final at Busan 2002 that she took a four-month long sabbatical from the sport.

However, she returned much stronger and in the last year, she has since established herself as the dominant figure in the women's game. Both David and Chiu eased through their semifinal matches on Wednesday to set up the re-match.

David was merciless in beating Hong Kong, China's Mak Pui Hin 9-0, 9-1, 9-0 at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex. Dubbed the 'smiling assassin', David was a picture of concentration throughout. She began the first game in style, winning the first five points in a matter of minutes and eventually securing the game without conceding a point.

David again dictated the play in the second game and reached 6-0 with her opponent still looking to earn that first elusive point. With cries of 'finish it Nicol' coming from the audience, David put the finishing touches to the second game, winning it 9-1, with the court action lasting a mere 10 minutes.

The third game was no different, with David again using the court to her advantage and cruising to a 9-0 win.

Chiu had a little more difficulty, but eventually overcame Malaysia's Sharon Ee Lin Wee 9-6, 9-1, 9-3 in. Wee, bronze medallist last time round, began the match well, winning the first two points with powerful shots to the corner of the court, making it 4-0.

But Chiu showed her class through a series of quality rallies and hit back, making it 4-2. Wee continued to apply the pressure on Chiu with a series of deceiving drills to the corner of the court making it 6-2, but Chiu soon equalled the score, 6-6.

Despite having the majority of supporters on her side, Wee failed to take advantage of her earlier form and lost the first game, 9-6. Chiu came out all guns blazing in the second game, racing to a lead of 6-0, with a combination of strength and skill, she eventually won it 9-1.

Despite Wee's best efforts to hit back, Chiu maintained a firm grip on the match, closing it out by taking the third game 9-3.

Asked about her loss in Busan and how it might affect her in the final, David said, "That was four years ago. It was the big turning point in my career. I have learnt so much since then and am in good shape when compared to four years ago.

"I have to bring my game to another level. It has been a great year on the professional circuit. I have to just take all that energy and put it into the final."

Chiu said, "Nicol David is a very difficult opponent who is very fast around the court. I beat Nicol to win the gold medal four years ago, but I haven't beaten her since."

The women's singles final will take place on Thursday 14 December at 18:00.

15th Asian Games, Doha 2006