|
|
|
| September 05, 2006 | Tuesday | Sha'aban 11, 1427 |
Lincou puts an end to Nicol’s glittering career
CAIRO, Sept 4: Thierry Lincou brought to an end the most successful squash career of the past ten years when he overcame Peter Nicol to reach the semi-finals of the World Open at the Giza Pyramids on Sunday.
The Frenchman's 11-6, 5-11, 11-8, 11-6 win over the Briton, in a battle of two former world champions, sent into a retirement an opponent who has been top of the rankings for a remarkable 60 months.
“Relief is one of my main emotions,” said the 33-year-old Nicol.
“I feel very tired and I would like to have several months rest, not doing very much.
“I made sure I stood and had a good look at the Pyramids before I went on court, and I sort of enjoyed the match, but I still wanted to win it.”
There were just a few moments when the battling Nicol was hanging on in the third game when it seemed he might sneak a win against the odds, but for most of the match Lincou controlled the rallies.
He frequently forced Nicol to defend, and to take gambles with ambitious volleys and once Lincou had forced his way through from 9-8 to win the third the outcome had an inevitable feel.
“I knew that game was important,” said Lincou.
“It would have required a huge mental effort from him to come back from that.“This is a very symbolic moment,” he added generously, referring to Nicol's departure.
“And yes, I am glad to see the back of him, but I wish him a good future.”
Lincou will play the winner of Monday's match between the two Australians, David Palmer, the second-seeded former world champion, and Anthony Ricketts, the fifth-seeded Super Series winner.
Earlier Amr Shabana's attempt to retain the title in front of his home crowd took its most impressive step forward so far with a 11-5, 11-7, 11-5 win over Wael EL Hindi.
It was the second time in succession that Shabana had played a friend and compatriot but the first time in three matches that he played somewhere near his best.
“It was a relief because until now I have been tense,” admitted the top-seeded titleholder.
“I think I am back to one hundred percent sharpness and I am loving it again.”
Part of Shabana's problem was that he had missed two tournaments to prepare better and lacked match practice but now he has found more rhythm with his driving.
He will now face either compatriot Ramy Ashour or Gregory Gaultier, the French eight seed, for a place in the final.
Sunday’s results:
Quarter-finals: 1-Amr Shabana (Egypt) beat Wael El Hindi (Egypt) 11-5, 11-7, 11-5; 3-Thierry Lincou (France) beat 6-Peter Nicol (England) 11-6, 5-11, 11-9, 11-6.—Agencies
|
|
|
|
