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ON THIS DAY - Peter Nicol |
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September 17, 1999
Al-Ahram World Open
By Alan Thatcher
Peter Nicol became Britain's first men's world champion following his victory over Egypt's Ahmed Barada in the final of the Al-Ahram World Open played on an open-air glass court in front of the Great Pyramids at Giza, near Cairo.
This was the pinnacle of Peter Nicol's career as he silenced the exhuberant Egyptian crowd who were packed into the bleachers surrounding the glass court in squash's most iconic tournament venue.
Nicol reflected later: "I entered the arena and just knew I was going to win. The crowd were screaming for Barada but their energy simply spurred me on. It was almost a spiritual experience."
BBC Coverage: Nicol clinches world title
Nicol beat Egypt's Ahmed Barada 15-9 15-13 15-11 to win the title in Cairo.
It was third time lucky for Nicol, from Inverurie, who has been been runner-up in the previous two finals.
Despite his previous defeats, Nicol was in control for most of the match and only once during the whole of the 66-minute encounter was Barada able to seriously question Nicol's authority.
Barada led 11-7 in the second game but was only managed to sustain his lead briefly.
Nicol then took seven points in a row and another effort by Barada to regain the initiative was partially successful.
Forehand volley
He saved two game points and got as close as 13-14 but then saw his efforts wasted with a hurried forehand volley.
Nicol, who has never lost to Barada, stepped up the pace to turn the tide back in his favour.
Barada went for all out attack in the third game and made some progress but conceded a ground and made two unforced errors.
Nicol finally clinched the title with a delicate drop shot.
He said afterwards: "I played as well I did because I was totally relaxed. It did not bother me at all that the big crowd was wholly behind Barada.
"I just focused on what I had to do and got on with it."
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