23-Apr-06:
Barker set for Senior debut
Essex left-hander Peter Barker has been selected to make his
senior debut for defending champions England in the European Team
Championships later this week in Austria.
In the five-man squad announced by England Squash, the 22-year-old
world No24 from Upminster will join team-mates James Willstrop,
Nick Matthew and Lee Beachill (ranked 3, 7 & 8,
respectively, in the world - and all from Yorkshire) and double
Commonwealth Games gold medallist Peter Nicol, the world No6
from London.
The women's squad, defending the title it has held since 1978, will
feature Vicky Botwright (the world No5 from Lancashire),
Jenny Duncalf (No8, Yorks), Linda Elriani (No9, Sussex)
and Tania Bailey (No10, Lincs).
"Peter Barker has made positive progress on the international
circuit over the past year, winning two titles and climbing steadily
up the rankings, and thoroughly deserves his chance to play for the
England senior side for the first time," said England National Coach
David Pearson of the player who represented his country in both
European and World Junior Championships.
England have held the men's title since 1994, though have survived
close battles with France in the last six finals. "France are
particularly strong at one and two, with former world number one
Thierry Lincou and fast-rising Gregory Gaultier, but I am confident
that our strength in depth will prevail again," added Pearson.
"The women's squad will once again be under considerable pressure,
having never lost the title in the event's 28-year history. The
Netherlands, led by world number one Vanessa Atkinson, will
undoubtedly provide their toughest opposition – but again we have a
strong squad and should come through unscathed."
Can England's
women make it 29 in a row?
Will it be England v France again in the men's ?
|
"As you can imagine, I am
delighted to be included in the England Team for the first
time. To be in a team of such quality is an absolute honour. I
cannot wait for the event to start, I know it will be an
unforgettable
experience."
Peter Barker |
England Squad details:
James Willstrop (Yorks), world No3, aged 22, from Pontefract
Peter Nicol (Yorks), world No6, aged 32, from London
Nick Matthew (Yorks), world No7, aged 25, from Sheffield
Lee Beachill (Yorks), world No8, aged 28, from Pontefract
Peter Barker (Essex), world No24, aged 22, from Upminster
Vicky Botwright (Lancs), world No5, aged 28, from Manchester
Jenny Duncalf (Yorks), world No8, aged 23, from Harrogate
Linda Elriani (Sussex), world No9, aged 34, from Eastbourne
Tania Bailey (Lincs), world No10, aged 26, from Stamford |
