Top seed Nick Matthew rounded off a fine opening day for English players in the 2014 Allam British Open at Hull’s Sports Arena on Monday.
After Londoner Adrian Grant and Essex’s Daryl Selby had overcome Hong Kong’s Leo Au and India’s Saurav Ghosal 3/1 respectively, the triple world champion from Yorkshire despatched Surrey wildcard Joe Lee in straight games (pictured).
“Joe showed that his all-round game has improved recently and he really opened my lungs today,” said Matthew after his 11-9, 11-3, 11-6 success in 44 minutes.
“He hit some great shots and when I relaxed he was on it, so I’m really pleased to get that, as it could have got ugly after the first game.
“I’ve got a day off tomorrow, which I’ll make the most of, and it’s nice to have the luxury of going home to Sheffield during this event, so I’ll go back and prepare for Wednesday now.
“I’m delighted to be playing in Yorkshire so looking forward to the challenge ahead.”
The 33-year-old world no.2 will now take on Selby in the second round on Wednesday, after the world no.10 defeated Indian national champion Ghosal 9-11, 11-8, 11-5, 11-6 in 65 minutes.
“When I saw the draw and that I was against Saurav, I knew it was going to be tough,” said Selby after his victory.
“He took the world no.1 very close recently in Egypt, which shows his quality, and he deserved the first game today, as he outplayed me.
“I think the difference today was a decision in the third game by the referees, which fired me up and proved to be the kick I needed to really get going. I’m just really pleased that i came through, as I was worried about that match.
“When you see the banners up here announcing the British Open, and when you see the support this event gets and the history of the competition, it really gives you motivation as a player.”
Earlier, Grant, the world no.24, defeated Hong Kong champion Au, a qualifier, 11-5, 12-10, 10-12, 11-5 in 90 minutes.
The experienced left-hander, who now plays France’s Mathieu Castagnet in round two, said: “It feels good. I lost in the first round this time last year, so it’s one step further.
“It’s good to play in England as always, especially in a prestigious event like the British Open, so I’m happy to live to fight another day.
“He [Au] was tough. I’ve played him before and it was tricky, but I had the arsenal to win and get through – it was just implementing it throughout the whole match.
“I had a little hiccup after that injury break that he had. Luckily, I got my momentum back in the fourth. I should have won 3/0, but I am happy with 3/1.”
Report courtesy of EnglandSquashAndRacketball.com Check their website for all the latest England SRA news.