Nicol David, the squash great whose nine-year stint as world number one may never be surpassed, wants to follow the example of women's sports pioneer Billie Jean King when her playing days are done. Although the 33-year-old Malaysian reached the quarter-finals of the British Open on Thursday and may still challenge for titles, she has been inspired by the tennis legend who led the fight for prize money parity and campaigned for women's rights in a wider way.
"I really hope I can do something a little like what she has done for her sport," said David, who spent an hour with the American before the Windy City Open squash tournament in Chicago last month. "She is the power of women's sport. Without her pushing the cause women wouldn't be where they are now," she added, acknowledging King's influence beyond sport. "She has paved the way in all sports at various levels and in every field to give their best. Billie Jean fought for a lot of other rights as well. She is very motivating."
David spoke of her conversation with King during a week in which the British Open is offering women equal prize money for the first time in its 88-year history.
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