The 3-time world champion, however, faced a stiff challenge from third seed Rachael Grinham of Australia before prevailing 14-12, 11-13, 11-8, 11-8 in 53 minutes to clinch the title for the third consecutive time.
This was the first time that the Penangite had won 10 consecutive titles since turning professional in 2000.
She won eight of the 11 Women’s International Squash Players Association (Wispa) tournaments that she competed in last year.
This season, besides the Hong Kong Open, Nicol also emerged as the champion in the Apawamis, KL Open, British Open, Seoul Open, Malaysia Open, Singapore Masters, Dutch Open, World Open and Qatar Classics.
She also extended her unbeaten run to 53 matches since last November.
Yesterday, Nicol trailed Grinham 6-10 in the first set and she put up a gallant fight to level the score 10-10 before winning 14-12.
In the second set, Nicol led 11-10 but she was unable to seal it and lost 11-13.
Nicol was stretched to the limit in the next two sets before getting the better of Grinham.
“This is my third time in Hong Kong. I guess this city is my lucky charm, especially as it’s here that I won my first World Open (2004),” Nicol was quoted as sasying on the www.squashsite.co.uk website.
“It was one of the toughest final matches I have played in this year. Rachael stretched me to the limit.
“I am happy to end my professional season by winning my 10th straight title.”
Nicol will lead Malaysia’s team to the world team championship in Cairo from Nov 30-Dec 6.
World number one Amr Shabana of Egypt also won his third straight Hong Kong Open title.
However, the Egyptian was made to sweat for 76 minutes in the showdown by the second seeded Frenchman Gregory Gaultier before winning the match 11-7, 13-15, 8-11, 11-2, 11-3.
Source: The Star Malaysia
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