2010 ROWE British Grand Prix: Britain’s Nick Matthew retracts from tournament
Amongst a number of British compatriots to have made it through the initial rounds of the 2010 ROWE British Grand Prix Squash tournament, was Sheffield’s Nick Matthew. However, much to everyone’s dismay, the professional was made to pull out of the tournament
less than two hours prior to his scheduled match, due to health issues.
In the words of the sportsman himself, “During my practice session yesterday afternoon, I felt strange – my heartbeat was going at about 200 beats a minute – and by the time I got back to my hotel room I was really shivering.”
Matthew was seen by a doctor of the English Institute of sport, shortly after feeling ill. The professional further stated that he was woken up in the middle of the night with high fever and found himself sweating profusely. He also exclaimed that despite
the fact that he was unwell; he took his time to make his decision but eventually chose not to play as advised by the doctor.
To conclude his statement, Nick said that he was very disappointed to pull out as the National Squash Centre is his favorite venue and he was really looking forward to play there.
The former World no. 1 was expected to go up against fellow-countryman, James Willstrop in the quarter-finals of the tournament. Seeded no. 5 at the tournament, Willstrop stated that he felt extremely sorry for Matthew. “He must be feeling dreadful at the
moment,” he said.
The professional went on to say that Nick’s absence will definitely be a bitter blow for the tournament and it must be devastating for him. “It’s the worst thing getting injured – we all feel for him, we know what its like,” stated James.
In a brief 26 minute match, Willstrop defeated Hong Kong’s Max Lee 11-7, 11-5 and 11-2 to proceed further at the tournament.
Unfortunately for Matthew, to his disappointment, the sportsman will not be able to compete for the $92,500 championship prize. Held in Manchester, England, the 2010 ROWE British Grand Prix event has come to be the biggest squash tournament in Europe at
the National Squash Centre this year.
Extremely pulled down, Nick Matthew had set out to reclaim his World no. 1 title after being defeated Egypt’s Ramy Ashour was crowned World no.1 based upon his Hong Kong Open win. Sadly, after forfeiting, recovering his World ranking most certainly won’t
be a possibility for the athlete.
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