Paul Price energizes fans in Australia.

10.13.00 Australia, for SquashTalk News by Steve Walton
(Paul Price file photo © 2000 Squashtalk)

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EXCLUSIVE TO SQUASHTALK All over Victoria Mobile phones were sitting on bedside tables hoping for an early morning call.

First call was to Mum and Dad Price who heard firsthand of Pauls great win against Simon Parke, next was his girlfriend Michelle and finally at 3.30 am I was woken by a very happy Pricey.

Paul has been off the circuit for some time and despite training well there have been setbacks and alot of concern as to when he would be able to play again. A relapse of the back injury almost required him to withdraw from The Australian Open. Our best hopes were that he would not reinjure the back but this was quickly modified after he won a couple of rounds and started to feel stronger. He was defeated in the final by Anthony Rickettes 15-13 in the fifth and whilst no loss is enjoyable, Paul was thrilled to have played for four consecutive days and pulled up fine.

He travelled to Queensland and prepared with assistance from Rodney Eyles and Geoff Hunt and left with the aim to play his best at The British Open and take any chances that came his way.

Drawing his mate John Williams in the first round was not the start he wanted and he did not expect to win. Paul knew that John was extremely fit and thought he might be run out.

However as happened in the Australian Open, Paul got stronger as the game went on and once his confidnce is up he is not easy to stop.

In an earlier interview for The British Open Simon Parke had said he did not expect a challenge before Martin Heath in the Quarters. Paul knew this and was quite pleased to be an extreme underdog but he had every intention of challenging Simon. So here he is in the Quarter Final, feeling very relaxed and aware that he is one of four players that will move into the final from the top half of the draw. It may as well be him.

Paul has Joseph many times and it will be a tough tight match. If he makes the semi final then family and friends in his home town will be gathering at The Crown Casino to watch him live.

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