AUDIO: Duncalf misses out on David showdown

The 26-year-old, from Harrogate, admits she is unlikely to overhaul dominant world No 1 Nicol David by the end of this year but, after climbing to second in the world rankings in December, she hopes to at least consolidate her position in the game and close the gap on the Malaysian.

Duncalf defeated David for the first time in 19 attempts at the US Open last year and followed it up with another victory over her 26-year-old rival in the Qatar Classic.

But David gained revenge earlier this month when defeating Duncalf to take the Chennai Open crown in India. Duncalf was denied the opportunity to hit straight back this weekend when she was defeated in the semi-finals of the KL Open in Kuala Lumpur by Egypt's Omneya Abdel Kawy who went on to face David in the final.

David clinched the title after winning 11-4 11-2 13-11.

To listen to Jenny Duncalf on her hopes for 2010 click the green PLAY button.

If successful in her half of the Cayman Islands Open draw next month, Duncalf could earn another chance at closing the gap against David in that event's final.

But there are other, some would argue more prestigious events waiting for Duncalf and her rivals later this year – most notably the Commonwealth Games, World Open and British Open. There's also the small matter of the World Team Championships held in New Zealand in November.

After missing out on the chance to defend her British Nationals crown in Manchester last month due to defeat to English rival Alison Waters, Duncalf will be keen to pick up any one of the other major singles titles this year which all fall towards the tail end of 2010.

"In terms of points it's going to be tough to overtake Nicol (David) in the standings," said Duncalf. "She is so far ahead but the closer the gap the better.

"I need to try and consolidate my position and try not to have too many inconsistent results at the same time as trying to close the gap on Nicol.

"It's going to be a busy year with the World Teams, the Commonwealth Games and the World Open – then there's the British Open as well. I'm not fussy – I'll take any one of those."