Nicol wary of El Torky

PENANG: Squash ace Nicol David said she was not taking anything for granted ahead of her second-round clash with Egyptian qualifier Heba El Torky as she goes for an unprecedented eighth title at the world women's championships.
The Malaysian veteran has been handed a seemingly uncomplicated route to the final in her home state of Penang, and another thrashing is on the cards after she dismissed England's Emma Beddoes in straight games.
But top-ranked David, 30, who has trained with El Torky, was wary after the Egyptian scored an upset win over Hong Kong's world No. 8 Annie Au in round one.
"She (Heba) is one of the younger generation that is really coming up, so I have to look out for her, especially after she upset Annie (Au). I will be focused on the second round and will give my best," said David.
But El Torky, 23, will have to overcome her awe of the top seed and long-time world No. 1 if she is to pull off the biggest of shocks in front of a partisan home crowd.
"Nicol is not only my role model, she is everyone's role model. She's really down to earth and always plays with a smile on her face," El Torky said.
"There is no air about her, and it was an amazing experience to train with her this (Tuesday) morning."
In Wednesday's games, second seed Laura Massaro beat Malaysian wildcard Vanessa Raj to safely reach the second round.
Massaro, considered the woman most likely to challenge David, will next contest an all-English clash with fellow countrywoman Jenny Duncalf.
She was joined by third seed Egyptian Raneem El Weleily, who ousted compatriot Salma Hany 11-9, 11-4, 11-4 and will play Indian rising star Dipika Pallikal in the next round.
Malaysia's Low Wee Wern also made it into the second round after a 11-7, 11-6, 11-8 victory over Australian Donna Urquhart. - AFP