(3.12.2013) Today at the bottom half of the Women's Main Draw's first round of Cathay Pacific Sun Hung Kai Financial Hong Kong Squash Open 2013, local favourite Annie Au with the support of the home crowd, beats Egyptian Yathreb Adel in a tough five games 11-9,7-11,11-8,4-11 and 11-2. "I knew that the game would be long and harsh with lots of body touch," commented Annie after game, "I must thank all the supporters today. They give me confidence and strength to get through till the end." In the second round on Thursday, 5 December, Annie will be facing Emma Beddoes.
The English qualifer Emma Beddoes who ranks 25 in the world gives the biggest upset today after beating Low Wee Wern, world number 8 and the sixth seed of the event. Emma, with a 2-0 down, comes back to win in a five-setter 8-11,12-14,11-3,11-8,11-5. Other top-seed players of the bottom half including Laura Massaro, Raneem El Weleily and Madeline Perry successfully proceed to the second round.
For the top half of the Men's Main Draw first round, both top seeds Ramy Ashour and James Willstrop win in straight games. The 5th seed Mohamed El Shorbagy also gets through to the next round after defeating the Hong Kong Champion, Leo Au in straight at 13-11, 11-1 and 11-5.
The other eight matches of the first round, from the bottom half of the Men's event and the top half of the Women's will be held tomorrow. Nicol David, the world number one and defending champion will be on court meeting Samantha Cornett from Canada at 6:45pm. Hong Kong players, Max Lee and Joey Chan on the other hand will play against Tarek Momen and Jenny Duncalf at 1:30pm and 3:45pm respectively.
Please click here for the updated results and schedule!
