Matthew Seeks To Avenge Australian Open 5th Game That Got Away
by Howard Harding

18 August 2011
- England's Nick Matthew will be after revenge when he competes in next month's ROWE British Grand Prix Squash Championship, the fourth and latest PSA World Series championship of the year in Manchester.

Matthew, the world number one from Sheffield, is expected to face title-holder Ramy Ashour, the world No2 from Egypt, in the event's final on the spectacular all-glass showcourt in Manchester.

After twice leading his Egyptian rival in last week's final of the Viridian Australian Open - the third PSA World Series event of the year - Matthew went down in five games in his first loss to Ashour since January.

"I was disappointed with the fifth - it just ran away from me and sometimes he can get on a run of points in the blink of an eye and before I knew it he was five, six, seven, eight and I couldn't stop the rot," said the 31-year-old World Open champion and double Commonwealth Games gold medallist.

"But I am looking forward to getting stuck back in in Manchester," added Matthew. "It's one of my favourite venues in the world - the England team regularly train there and I have enjoyed a number of important title successes on that court.

"And the Manchester crowds are amongst the best in the world - and this will be a huge boost."

Matthew begins his 2011 ROWE British Grand Prix campaign against German wild card Jens Schoor. The top seed, England's first world number one for six years, will want to make up for the disappointment of being forced to withdraw from last year's championship after being taken ill on the eve of the event.


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