KUALA LUMPUR, April 26 — Malaysian squash queen Datuk Nicol David is wary of the threat she faces in world ranked 11th player, England’s Alison Waters, in the second round of the 2016 Naza PSA Women’s World Squash Championships tomorrow.

Both players beat their respective opponents in their opening encounters of the tournament at the Nicol David Arena, National Squash Centre, in Bukit Jalil tonight.

Nicol, the defending champion and second-seeded player, had to go the distance before sweeping aside 2007 world champion, Rachael Grinham of Australia; winning 11-4, 8-11, 8-11, 11-1, 11-2. Alison edged Egyptian youngster Heba El Torky 13-11, 11-7, 4-11, 11-7.

“I just try to focus on my game and put the plans right together, then I think on how to get the better feel of the court... I also need to be aware of the attacking shots by her (Alison),” eight-time world champion Nicol told reporters after her match.

Nicol and Alison are tied 1-1 in their two previous meetings. Alison beat Nicol last year in the quarterfinals of the Tournament of Champions in New York in January.

Nicol turned the tables on Alison at the Windy City Open in Chicago a month later, also in the quarterfinals.

Nicol said the match against Rachael was tough as she needed to dig deep into her reserves after trailing 1-2.

“Beating Rachael Grinham, former world champion, in five sets was certainly a huge relief. You know that you do not get (to play) former world champion too often (in the first round), so I’m pleased to beat her,” Nicol said while expressing her excitement playing in front of the boisterous home crowd.

Another Malaysian, world number 15 Delia Arnold, who cleared the first hurdle in her opening match yesterday, is set to face a Herculean task against world number six, Omneya Abdel Kawy, of Egypt, in the second round tomorrow. — Bernama