Reigning champion returns to Hull hell bent on a third British title
By NATHAN CLARKE
Defending champion Gregory Gaultier says he’s relishing the prospect of returning to Hull to contest the 2015 Allam British Open as he guns to win the title for a third time.
The Frenchman triumphed in emotional circumstances 12 months ago when he beat home-favourite Nick Matthew comprehensively in the finale and after returning to winning ways at last month’s Grasshopper Cup, following a prolonged calf-related niggle, he’s looking forward to returning to the scene of his last PSA World Series tournament triumph.
“I’m really looking forward to being back in Hull,” said the 32-year-old.
“We’ve been there two times before and it’s been brilliant on both occasions and obviously I’ve done well there as well making the final both times and winning last year – so it’s a place that I’m looking forward to going back to.
“The tournament is fantastically organised and Dr Allam really does a great job supporting squash and we’re all very thankful to him and all the people involved in the tournament.”
Gaultier is seeded second for the tournament, behind current World No.1 Mohamed Elshorbagy, and will face a qualifier in his opening match on Tuesday May 12 – with a match-up with England’s Daryl Selby likely to await in the second round.
2015 Allam British Open – First Round Draw:
[1] Mohamed Elshorbagy (EGY) v James Willstrop (ENG)
Saurav Ghosal (IND) v Borja Golan (ESP)
Fares Dessouki (EGY) v [Qualifier]
[Qualifier] v [8] Simon Rösner (GER)
[7] Peter Barker (ENG) v Mathieu Castagnet (FRA)
Marwan Elshorbagy (EGY) v Alister Walker (BOT)
Gregoire Marche (FRA) v [Qualifier]
[Qualifier] v [3] Nick Matthew (ENG)
[4] Amr Shabana (EGY) v Chris Simpson (ENG)
Cameron Pilley (AUS) v Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY)
Stephen Coppinger (RSA) v [Qualifier]
[WC] Adrian Waller (ENG) v [6] Tarek Momen (EGY)
[5] Miguel Angel Rodriguez (COL) v Max Lee (HKG)
Omar Mosaad (EGY) v [Qualifier]
Daryl Selby (ENG) v [Qualifier]
[Qualifier] v [2] Gregory Gaultier (FRA)
The 2015 Allam British Open gets underway at the Airco Arena, Hull from Monday May 11 – Sunday May 17 with tickets available to purchase via Ticketmaster: http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/British-Open-Squash-Championships-tickets/artist/1686792?SREF=TWArtist
Pictures by IRENA VANISOVAÂ