Figureheads from the world of Squash continued to play their part in the Beijing Olympic Torch Relay in Malaysia as the iconic flame continued its high-profile journey around the globe.

World Squash Federation Patron Tunku Tan Sri Imran Tuanku Ja'afar - who is also President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) - expressed his excitement at being the first torchbearer on Monday's Kuala Lumpur leg of the global torch relay.

"It is a festive atmosphere here - and shows the good relationship we have with Beijing," said the former Malaysian National Squash champion. 

"It's good to know that two Squash individuals are carrying the Olympic Torch in KL," added the former WSF President.

Later, Nicol David played her part in carrying the torch.  Now in her third year as world number one, Miss David is widely regarded as Malaysia's most successful sportsperson of all time - and was recently voted 'Asian Sportswoman of the Year'.

Nicol told reporters that it was as close as one could get to the Olympic Games:  “It’s really a good feeling to be an Olympic torchbearer, especially when I don’t get the chance to compete in the Olympics.

"I will not miss it for the world.  I really hope squash will get into the Olympics one day,” said Nicol, who flew home from her training base in Amsterdam just for the occasion.