World Champion Lincou Looks Forward To Gerrard Grand Prix Return
Frenchman Thierry Lincou, the world squash champion and world number one, can't wait to get back onto the all-glass court at the National Squash Centre in Manchester to defend his title in the Gerrard Grand Prix Championship from 23-26 September.
"I like the venue and the way everything is set up in Manchester," said Lincou, France's most successful squash player of all-time.
"I enjoyed playing in the event last year and I really like the court," added the 29-year-old from Marseille.
Lincou heads a star-studded field in the eight-man event at Sportcity – including Englishmen Lee Beachill, James Willstrop and Nick Matthew, ranked 2, 8 and 9 in the world; Australian Anthony Ricketts, the world No6; Scotland's world No10 John White; and Egyptians Amr Shabana and Karim Darwish, ranked 7 and 12, respectively.
The Frenchman is top seed in the Gerrard Grand Prix, and takes on local hero James Willstrop in the opening match of the tournament at 6.00pm on Friday (23 September). After matches against former world No1 John White, then former world champion Amr Shabana, Lincou will appear on the spectacular all-glass court at the National Squash Centre for the finals day play-off for positions 1-8 (on Monday 26 September)).
On the 'group' format of the event, Lincou was upbeat: "I always do well in pool events. But you have to be strong physically to play at your best for four days."
The National Squash Centre will also host the Dunlop British Open Squash Championships in October.
"It will be a good chance to play against the top players - and it will be great final preparation for the 2005 British Open which will be played at the same venue in October," explained the player who has headed the world rankings throughout this year.
When asked if it has been difficult to hold onto his world number one position, Lincou replied: "It is an extra pressure, but I have got used to it and just don't think about it any more.
"I just go out there and focus on my game plan."
Tickets for the 2005 Gerrard Grand Prix are available exclusively from www.isportticketing.com or by telephone on 07973-544719.