by Ian Baker

GLASGOW – Nicol David needed to make a hasty change of kit before being able to book her place in the last 16 of the women’s squash singles of the Commonwealth Games with an 11-6, 11-2, 11-1 victory over Vanessa Florens.

The world number one and reigning champion emerged dressed in white along with her opponent from Mauritius but she opted to change into a yellow patterned outfit to suit the demands made by television.

“With glass courts, for TV it is much better to have two separate colours so the viewers can identify who is playing,” she said.

“I’m sure it is difficult for spectators as the colours are similar.

“I was originally in white. But yellow is probably a lucky colour now. It is the national colour of my country too.

“But I’m not sure I can wear the kit in the next round due to sponsorship.”

That next match is against Megan Craig of New Zealand on Friday after she beat Safina Madhani of Kenya 11-1, 11-2, 11-2.

David’s rival for gold, Laura Massaro of England is also safely into the last 16 after she beat Lynette Vai of Papua New Guinea in straight sets and will next play Nicolette Fernandes of Guyana.

In the men’s section, defending champion Nick Matthew surived a gruelling schedule to progress.

The 33-year-old carried the flag at Wednesday’s opening ceremony at Celtic Park and then had to play matches in the morning and evening.

He comfortably beat Xavier Koening in the round of 64 before being pushed harder in the round of 32 by Jamaica’s Chris Binnie who made life difficult for Matthew to close out a 11-4, 11-8, 11-4 victory.

Matthew conceded it was the perfect test of his fitness after recently returning following knee surgery

“Even in the preparation I’ve not played twice on the same day so it was good for me both physically and mentally,” he said.

“I’ve had two matches under my belt and the legs feel good. I’m aware there is a notch up so I can’t just say I feel good.

“But it was not my best performance today though, I don’t think it was firing on all cylinders.”

Matthew will now take on Alan Clyne in an England v Scotland match-up after the world number 35 won a marathon one hour and 50 minute contest against Harinder Pal Sandhu, eventually triumphing 12-14, 11-9, 13-15, 11-1, 11-9 with drama on match point as the Indian denied after asking for a review into a let call.

“That decision was probably only 60 seconds but it felt like five minutes,” said Clyne. “It was very tense and it is certainly unusual to finish a match like that.

“I need a big recovery now to be ready for the next match. Mentally I just needed to keep my focus but fortunately the home crowd got behind me to pick me up when needed. It’s probably what decided it in the end.”