Foley Squash Shop PST Phoenix Open Features Former World #1s Palmer & White
from DailySquashReport.com
January 13, 2012 - Former world #1-ranked players John White of Scotland and David Palmer of Australia are on a collision course to meet in the finals of the PST Phoenix Open, which begins tonight at the friendly confines of Foley Squash in Arizona.
Palmer, now based in Orlando, Florida, went four-for-four in British Open finals appearances, defeating Chris Walker in 2001, Peter Nicol in 2003, Amr Shabana in 2004 and current world #1 James Willstrop in 2008.
He attained the number one ranking in September 2001 and again in February 2006.
White, currently based in Philadelphia as the Drexel University head coach, won the PSA Masters in 2003 and reached the world #1 ranking in March 2004.
The PST's Joe McManus Files This Report:
David Palmer and John White Headline Phoenix Open
David Palmer joined PST last November and quickly won tournaments in Cleveland, Ohio and Westchester, New York. John White last appeared on the tour when he won the Mohawk Hampton Open in Southampton, NY.
Palmer and White are seeded #1 and #2 in this week's Phoenix Open, which is being presented by FoleySquashShop.com.
If the two are to face each other in the finals, they will need to navigate an international field of rising stars who are each looking for a signature upset victory. Other players in the tournament draw are from Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Uganda, and the United States.
Three-time Uganda National Champion Ibrahim Nyanzi reached the semi-finals in last month's Philadelphia Open and could be a tough out in the tournament.
Also look for young Americans Andrew Kriete and Nathan Ticho to make some noise. But former Malaysian National Team player Leroy Leong will have something to say as well. Leong won third place in last week's Connecticut Open.
Local hopes will focus on Phoenix residents Gilberto Villanes and Peter Schultheiss who received tournament wildcard spots.
Match Times
Quarter Finals: Friday, January 13 at 5:30 p.m.
Semi-Finals: Saturday, January 14 at 6:00 p.m.
3rd Place: Sunday, January 15 at 12:00 noon
Championship: Sunday, January 15 at 12:45 p.m.
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