Nicol in fine form

28 July 2002

Squash favourite outclasses brave Ricketts.

Class performance from Nicol

Peter Nicol had a comfortable passage to the third round of the men’s squash with victory over the Australian, Anthony Ricketts.

The world No 1 and Commonwealth Games gold medallist in 1998, took the match in straight sets (9-5, 9-0, 10-8) and looked on course to retain his title.

Nicol said: “I had a fantastic game, which I enjoyed, especially with the spirit of the crowd. The majority appeared to be supporting me.

"I wasn’t nervous. I started well, but lost my way a little at the start of the third game. But I wasn’t going to throw it away and had to work hard to get back on top. That was my first tough game of the competition and I was relieved to get it out of the way.”

Anthony Ricketts put up a gritty performance, despite taking a three minute injury break.

“Maybe it was justified, but I don’t think he should have received coaching during that time. Supposedly he was injured, but it was very slight...”

Info News Service/jd/ndp