FA Cup finalists turn up to watch the British Open action on court
By SCARLETT SMITH – Squash Mad British Open Reporter
Hull City’s most famous faces were on show at the Allam British Open as the opening day of the world’s most prestigious squash tournament got underway at Hull’s Sports Arena.
Tom Huddlestone, Ahmed Elmohamady and Sone Aluko, who are preparing for their FA Cup final clash against Arsenal this weekend, all turned up to watch the world’s best squash players at the event sponsored by their club’s owner, Dr. Assem Allam.
World champion Nick Matthew, who is a massive Sheffield Wednesday supporter, was on show to entertain the sport’s newest fans and he duly obliged, sweeping aside young wild card Joe Lee 3-0.
Matthew commented: “I’m delighted the event is in Yorkshire, I’m excited to see the place full. I’ve got a rest day tomorrow and then back on Wednesday. I can’t wait to hopefully be playing all week until the end.”
Elsewhere, Essex’s Daryl Selby overcame a tough battle against the Indian number one Saurav Ghosal 9/11, 11/8, 11/5, 11/6 to book his place in the second round against Matthew.
Women’s first round action gets underway Tuesday alongside the bottom half of the men’s first round.
It’s certainly a massive week for Dr Allam, with his big Wembley date presumably keeping him away from the squash for a day. We wish him, and his Hull Tigers, the very best of luck against the Gunners.
