2002 Pakistan Open Qualifier Mar 20


SquashTalk >News > 2002 Pakistan Open - Peter Nicol speaks out

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		Peter Nicol Comfortable in Lahore, anticipating great competition. by Asssoicated Press of Pakistan © 2002
		LAHORE (APP) -- March 21, © 2002 [Pakistan Open Draw] [2nd Qualifying Round] [Pre-Qualifier] ASSESSES NEW PAKISTANI SHOW COURT The World Number 1 squash player Peter Nicol said on Wednesday that he feels comfortable in Pakistan and looks forward to winning the US $ 105,000 Pakistan Open. Speaking to the agency Wednesday evening after a hard practice at the imported portable glass sided court which the Pakistan Squash Federation has bought from ASB in Germany at a cost of Rs 7.67 million, he said though he had transitioned from cold London to warm temperatures in the Punjab capital, yet he is mentally and physical in top condition. "It will be hard physically playing under the powerful lights, but I seem to have adapted myself very well and the conditions do not seem to bother me much," he said. Nicol reached Lahore on Monday and said during the past two days, he had no problems and things seem to be pretty well organised for the prestigeous event. Nicol, who has adopted England from Scotland, is among the top 20 players competing for the Pakistan Open Championship. He said that prior to coming to Pakistan, he appeared in three tournaments in 2002, winning the US Open and losing the other two (The TOC to Jonathon Power and the non-ranking British Nationals to Lee Beachill.) Regarding competition from the Pakistanis, the 26-year-old Nicol said they are extremely good in their own home conditions and each of them is capable of creating an upset. The top contender praised the quality of the newly imported court and said that the ASB Glass Show Court is the best available in the market. "The surface has an even bounce and the ball comes off the side walls finely". Nicol said the main challenge would come from Australia's David Palmer, the number two, Jonathon Power, the third seed from Canada, Thierry Lincou of France and Ong Beng Hee of Malaysia. He said Pakistan's Amjad Khan, the 1998 Pakistan Open winner, who has now been given a wild card entry, could also put forth a challenge if he plays to his true potential. Nicol agreed that though the overall PSA tour's sponsorship money has dropped over the past 12 months, the fact that at least 12 to 15 top-tier events are being played this year around the world is sufficient for top ranking players.
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