|
|
30-Apr-08:
Matthew forced out of Liverpool
 Nick
Matthew, who made an indelible mark on squash history in 2006 when
he became the first home-grown British Open Champion for 67 years, has
been forced to withdraw from next month's Dunlop British Open –
Liverpool 2008 to be staged in Liverpool from the 8th to 12th May.
Matthew, who rose to England's highest-ranked player by winning last
year's US Open, sustained a shoulder ligament tear whilst leading
England to their successful defence of the Men's World Team
Championships in Chennai, and was hopeful of making his return to the
World Tour at the British Open following corrective surgery in January.
"I'm absolutely gutted to be missing the British Open," said the
27-year-old. "It was always my target and not being able to play in the
championships is disappointing. However, I have to look at the bigger
picture and it is essential that I do not push too hard too soon. My
surgeon has told me that the operation was successful and overall my
rehabilitation has gone very well. I am confident that with the
continued support of the English Institute of Sport (EIS) in Sheffield
that I am very close to being back to full fitness," added the World
No6.
Matthew's England team-mate Peter Barker is the prime benefactor in
the revised draw - rising to No8 seed and now lining up against wildcard
Tom Pashley in the first round. Welshman Alex Gough is elevated to the
position of 16th seed - while Englishman Daryl Selby now avoids the
qualifiers to earn a place in the main draw.
|
|
