WORLD SQUASH NEWS

World Squash Stars Head For Edmonton In Canada

The world's top squash players, including England's world No1 Peter Nicol and local star Jonathon Power, the world No5, are heading for Edmonton in Canada to compete in the $80,000 West Edmonton Mall Canadian Open, the first new Super Series event on the PSA Tour for more than three years.

The final stages of the event will be held in an all-glass court at the West Edmonton Mall's Ice Palace, and marks the return of the Canadian Open to the pro circuit after an eight-year absence.

Egypt's world No8 Karim Darwish has withdrawn on the eve of the event, due to a ligament injury he sustained in last week's World Team Championship.  The injury is expected to keep him out of action for around three weeks.

After qualification at the Royal Glenora Club, the 32-player main draw starts on Thursday (30 October) at the West Edmonton Mall, with the final on Monday 3 November.  Four Canadian players are pre-qualified for the main draw: fifth-seed Power from Montreal; world No17 Graham Ryding of Toronto; Shahier Razik of Toronto; and Matthew Giuffre of Edmonton.   Giuffre faces Nicol in his opening match.

"I'm as fit as I've ever been," said Power, looking for his second international tournament title this season after leading Canada to sixth place in last week's Men's World Team Championship in Austria.  "I'm going to have to beat three of the top players in the world just to get to the final and I'm ready for the challenge."

On Power's side of the draw are world No2 John White of Scotland; number three David Palmer, the World and British Open champion from Australia; and number six Aussie Anthony Ricketts.  Power, who opens his campaign on Thursday against a qualifier, knows he has his work cut out for him to make it through.  Having the home court advantage, however, is something that Power relishes.

"Playing back in Edmonton is something I'm really excited about," said Power, who won the Canadian National title there in May.   "The city and the people are absolutely fabulous and have always treated me like gold.  I am truly thrilled to be heading back there."

1st round draw:
[1] Peter Nicol (ENG) v Matthew Giuffre (CAN)
[12] Martin Heath (SCO) v Shahier Razik (CAN)
[8] Lee Beachill (ENG) v Qualifier
[11] Joseph Kneipp (AUS) v Paul Price (AUS)
[4] Thierry Lincou (FRA) v Qualifier
[10] Amr Shabana (EGY) v Qualifier
[7] Ong Beng Hee (MAS) v Qualifier
[14] Graham Ryding (CAN) v Adrian Grant (ENG)
[15] Alex Gough (WAL) v Qualifier
[5] Jonathon Power (CAN) v Qualifier
[9] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) v Renan Lavigne (FRA)
[3] David Palmer (AUS) v Mohammed Abbas (EGY)
[16] Mark Chaloner (ENG) v Qualifier
[6] Anthony Ricketts (AUS) v Nick Matthew (ENG)
[13] Simon Parke (ENG) v Omar Elborolossy (EGY)
[2] John White (SCO) v Qualifier

Official website:  www.wemcdnopen.com