Four Malaysians in the Main Draw

The world's leading players from more than 30 countries are competing in the Hi-Tec World Squash Championships – Manchester 2008, the first ever joint staging of the Men's World Open and Women's World Open in the UK.

Manchester City Council Head of Leisure Eamonn O'Rourke welcomed the crowds in the centre at the official Opening Ceremony. "This is Manchester's sixth world championships this year and we're delighted to be hosting the Hi-Tec World Squash Championships."

In highlighting the significance of Squash in the city, O'Rourke pointed out that "there are 6,000 kids who are part of the Manchester Squash Development Programme."

After reigning world champions Amr Shabana and Rachael Grinham, of Australia, handed over the official World Squash Federation flag to England captains Lee Beachill and Vicky Botwright, England Squash Chairman Zena Wooldridge declared the championships open.


Men's 1st round:
Ong Beng Hee (MAS) bt Tom Richards (ENG)
11-8, 9-11, 11-6, 7-11, 11-8 (70m)

Kashif Shuja (NZL) bt Mohd Azlan Iskandar (MAS)
12-14, 7-11, 11-9, 11-6, 11-9 (59m)

Women's qualifying finals:
Low Wee Wern (MAS) bt Suzie Pierrepont (ENG)
8-11, 11-7, 11-9, 5-11, 11-3 (52m)

Delia Arnold (MAS) bt Joshna Chinappa (IND)
4-11, 12-14, 11-9, 11-9, 12-10 (67m)

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Malaysians in the Men's 2nd round & Women's 1st round draw:
Ong Beng Hee (MAS) v Hisham Mohd Ashour (EGY)
Nicol David (MAS) v Sharon Wee (MAS)
Kasey Brown (AUS) v Low Wee Wern (MAS)
Shelley Kitchen (NZL) v Delia Arnold (MAS)