Willstrop

13-Mar:
A Fierce-looking Field ...
Malcolm Willstrop previews the men's event

Although professional squash players understandably place most emphasis on PSA events, there is no doubt that the Commonwealth Games has been firmly in their minds this season. Several main contenders made early exits in New York, and although I wouldn't advance that as an excuse it may have had some significance.

Even though there will be no Frenchmen or Egyptians, the potential last eight assumes its normal frightening look – for the players, that is.

     David Palmer v John White
     Anthony Ricketts v Lee Beachill
     Peter Nicol v Azlan Iskandar
     Nick Matthew v James Willstrop

In the way of this line-up is Stewart Boswell, who will certainly not lie down to Ricketts as he did in the British Open when he had to dash off to qualify for the Qatar Classic; Alex Gough beat Beachill last time in Qatar, but Beachill seems to be back to normal now – he wasn't then; Graham Ryding will trouble Iskandar and Ong Beng Hee will be keen to challenge Matthew.

Should the last eight materialise as above Palmer, top seeded but disappointing at Grand Central, will meet old friend John White, another repeat of their 2002 World Open final; Beachill and Ricketts should be a cracking match and Iskandar will be eager to further his progress against Nicol, who played a fine match with Gregory Gaultier in New York. Willstrop and Matthew is always value – they have met four times recently, Matthew winning the last 3/0 though it was a closer thing than the score indicates.

Nicol, Palmer, Beachill, Ricketts, White and Willstrop are all winners of major events, all but White this season – Nicol at the Crucible, Palmer in Chicago, Beachill in Boston, Ricketts in Manchester, Willstrop in Qatar. Matthew won the British Closed and a major PSA title beckons. So this Commonwealth is a field of major world players and it will take some winning.

Obviously playing on home territory is a massive advantage which Palmer, Ricketts and Boswell will enjoy, but I am not sure it will be a deciding factor.

Whatever opinion any pundit may have, predicting the outcome is nigh on impossible, the only guarantee being the quality and competitiveness of the squash. Hopefully the Commonwealth Games will assist the upward surge in the rising profile of the game.

And after the singles, the three doubles competitions – men's, women's and mixed – will be decided. There are some daunting-looking pairs and rallies will not be easily won.

MEN'S DRAW