LAHORE, Pakistan, 15 December 2003 — World No. 3 David Palmer of Australia opened his bid for successive World Open squash titles with a quick win against Egypt’s Mohamed Essam Hafiz on the opening day of the championship here yesterday.
The 27-year-old Palmer, who secured his first world crown in Antwerp, Belgium, last year won 15-12, 15-5, 15-12 in just 40 minutes and remained unperturbed by a thigh injury. “It’s a fast court and length of the shots is the key but I am pleased to have won quickly,” said Palmer after the match.
The $170,000 Bank Al-Falah World Open opened without any upsets in the top half of the draw. World No. 1 and 1999 world champion Peter Nicol plays his first round match against Egyptian Hisham Ashour later.
Palmer now faces Malaysian Mohammad Azlan Iskander in the second round who beat Australian Glenn Keenan 15-3, 15-6, 15-8 in his opener.
England’s Simon Parke, the longest serving player on the circuit, came through the first round with straight 15-13, 17-16, 15-14 win over countryman Ben Garner.
Egypt’s Wael El Hindi and Mohammed Abbas also qualified for the second round.
