British Open: Malaysia's Nicol David set for history

Squash's World No 1 Nicol David is expected to reach her fifth successive women's final in next month's British Open – and is seeded to join a distinguished cast of players who have won the title four times in the historic event, first played at Queen's Club in London in 1922.

David is drawn to meet former world No 1 Vanessa Atkinson, of the Netherlands, in the first round.

The Malaysian, who began her fourth year as world No 1 this month, is one of two three-time British Open champions in the high quality field in Manchester.

Third seed Rachael Grinham, the former world champion from Australia who claimed the British Open trophy in 2003, 2004 and 2007, faces a qualifier in the opening round.

Like Grinham, US star Natalie Grainger will be making her 13th successive appearance in the championship since 1997. The No 2 seed is expected to reach the final for the first time since 2004, and begins her 2009 campaign against a qualifier.

British interest in the event will be led by Alison Waters, the in-form 25 year-old from London who reached the final of the Malaysian Open earlier this month. Seeded four, Waters faces New Zealander Jaclyn Hawkes in the first round.

But England team-mate Jenny Duncalf will be hoping to repeat her British Open success of last year: the 26 year-old from Harrogate reached the final for the first time – as fifth seed – and has the same seeding this year.

But the world No 6 has a tough early encounter – against fellow countrywoman Tania Bailey, the former world No 4 and 2002 runner-up who will be making her WISPA Tour comeback in Manchester after undergoing knee surgery in April.

The British Open takes place from Sep 8-14 in Manchester. Buy Tickets

1st round draw:

[1] Nicol David (MAS) v Vanessa Atkinson (NED)
[6] Madeline Perry (IRL) v Qualifier
[4] Alison Waters (ENG) v Jaclyn Hawkes (NZL)
[8] Isabelle Stoehr (FRA) v Qualifier
[5] Jenny Duncalf (ENG) v Tania Bailey (ENG)
[3] Rachael Grinham (AUS) v Qualifier
[7] Laura Massaro (ENG) v Samantha Teran (MEX)
[2] Natalie Grainger (USA) v Qualifier