Women’s squash world number one Nicol David took gold at the Asian Games today, as the Malaysian defeated compatriot Low Wee Wern 3-1 (9-11, 11-6, 11-5, 12-10) after dropping the first set.

The 31-year-old Nicol, who has a string of world open crowns to her name, recovered from the initial setback to claim her fourth Asian Games singles title and Malaysia’s second gold at the 2014 event held in Incheon, South Korea.

Nicol dominated the next two games, maintaining a two-point advantage early in the second set before a delightful drop shot wrong-footed Low and moved her to 7-3. Low failed to narrow the gap and Nicol triumphed in 11-6 in the game.

The third set was safely secured 11-5 as Nicol had stormed to a 10-4 advantage and passed up only one game ball before confirming the set.

In the fourth set Low had game point at 10-9 but sent a forehand high and Nicol then dominated the centre of court to get her first championship point, which she took with a deep forehand of her own to win 12-10.

Low, 24, had taken the first set 11-9 having recovered superbly when seemingly out of a point to go 6-5 in front and saw it out 11-9. But it was not possible for her to maintain that level throughout the contest.

- dpa