Finally there was a chance to play a World Open in England. I had drawn Arron Frankcomb world number 42 in the 1st round of the 64 draw. For the first 2 games i played like i did in the last 2 games of saudi qualification, error free very accurate squash. I coasted 11-3, 11-3, then at 4-2 up in the 3rd game, the ball burst. Arron started to hit with more severity and i didnt repsond, i sat back in the court. I found myself 10-6 down, at this point i had to do something, so i upped the pace and stepped up the court again.

After 56mins i managed to win 12-10. And so took the match 3-0. Apparently i have 3 world records now. The longest match with shahier Razik (2hours 24mins), the longest 3-0 victory 100mins and the longest time for a single game 56mins. Im sure i have earned the nick name marathon man!

The second round match was with a very inform Peter Barker. He played his typical game of error free solid squash and beat me 3-0 with very low scorelines, but again, 60mins in duration. I was very dissapointed with myself as i played the wrong game against him. Physically i was absolutely fine and when you loose a match like this it is very hard to deal with. This experience is definately one for the memory bank. I wont ever let this happen to me again. Mark my words!