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Delhi's beleaguered Commonwealth Games organisers received a much-needed vote of confidence on Friday when world number one squash player Nicol David committed to compete in next month's event.
Delhi's beleaguered Commonwealth Games organisers received a much-needed vote of confidence on Friday when world number one squash player Nicol David committed to compete in next month's event.
While New Zealand cyclist Greg Henderson joined a growing list of withdrawals citing health and security concerns, David said she would be in Delhi for the Oct. 3-14 extravaganza.
Having just won a record-equalling fifth World Open title in Egypt, Malaysian David will be overwhelming favourite to clinch another gold medal in India.
"In a week and a half I will be in Delhi for the Commonwealth Games," David told Reuters by telephone. "Everything (is) just looking fine, everything will be good when we get (good) results, no problem."
India is struggling with safety and health issues ahead of the two-week event, and some countries have effectively given Delhi a few days to clean up the Games village or face the prospect of national withdrawals.
World discus champion Dani Samuels of Australia was one who pulled out of the Games because of security and health concerns, as did England's world triple jump champion Phillips Idowu.
"I think with the Games, there is always gonna be something going on," David said when asked about accommodation and health issues.
"But once the Games (starts)... I think the players, the elite group, will be all in good form."
The 27-year-old said she is looking forward to using this victory to spur her bid to a first Commonwealth Games gold.
"I will just take this win, and then try to bring it into the Games to build momentum like here (in the world open)," she said.
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