KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 — Malaysia’s squash queen Datuk Nicol David is confident of beating world number two, Egyptian Nour El Sherbini, in the quarterfinals of the 2016 Naza PSA Women’s World Squash Championships.

Despite losing all three previous meetings to Nour this season, world number five Nicol said it is important for her to put early pressure on the 20 year-old Egyptian in the first game to give herself more confidence.

“If I put pressure right from the start, I just have to stick to what I have to do. It will be an exciting match tomorrow,” the eight-time world champion told reporters.

Nicol, the defending champion, today fended off the strong challenge from world ranked 11th Alison Waters of England to win 11-9, 11-3, 11-5 in 39 minutes in round two of the tournament at the Nicol David Arena, National Squash Centre, in Bukit Jalil.

Nour El Sherbini (left), extended but comfortable in her win over Annie Au.

Sherbini, the 2013 World Championships runner-up, was extended before edging the 11th seed, Annie Au of Hong Kong, 11-5, 11-6, 6-11, 11-3.

Nicol said her match today was easier compared with yesterday’s match against Australian Rachael Grinham despite her struggling a bit against Alison in the first set.

“I think every player wants to start well (in the first set) and pick up the victory first, which gives you extra confidence.

“Playing against Alison, you must not give her any confidence to play her game. I really dug deep and just played the right shots at the right time. I’m very pleased (with this victory),” said the 32-year-old Penangite.

Sherbini noted the match against Nicol would certainly be different despite her having won all their three previous meetings (the Tournament of Champions in January in New York, the Windy City Open in February in Chicago, and the British Open in March).

“Nicol is playing in her home town and in her own fortress but I will try to do my best,” she said. “I know it will be a tough match. This is a prestigious tournament and certainly everyone will give their best.

“I think that I’m in good form but I’m sure Nicol is also in good form and prepared for the match. It’s not going to be easy,” said the 20-year-old Alexandria native.

Quarterfinals fixtures

(Note: [ ] denotes seedings)

[1] Laura Massaro (ENG) vs [6] Omneya Abdel Kawy (EGY)

[7] Amanda Sobhy (USA) vs [3] Raneem El Welily (EGY)

[5] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) vs [2] Nicol David (MAS)

[8] Nouran Gohar (EGY) vs [4] Camille Serme (FRA) — Bernama