Simpson Merits Merritt Properties Quarter-Final Slot In Baltimore

English qualifier Chris Simpson scored a major upset in the first round of the Merritt Properties Baltimore City Open when he defeated second-seeded Canadian Graham Ryding in the upgraded PSA Tour event at the Merritt Athletic Club in Baltimore City, USA.

"It was the best win of my career," said the 19-year-old from Guernsey after his 11-9, 8-11, 11-5, 7-11, 11-9 victory over Ryding, the world No19 from Toronto.

Simpson now faces seventh seed Eric Galvez after the Mexican No1 beat French qualifier Laurent Elriani 11-8, 5-11, 11-5, 11-8 in 75 minutes.

At the other end of the draw, favourite John White overcame Australia's Raj Nanda 11-6, 6-11, 11-9, 11-4 to set up quarter-final clash with England's Joey Barrington, the fifth seed who beat Patrick Chifunda 11-8, 9-11, 11-7, 11-5.

1st round:
[1] John White (SCO) bt Raj Nanda (AUS) 11-6, 6-11, 11-9, 11-4
[5] Joey Barrington (ENG) bt [Q] Patrick Chifunda (ZAM) 11-8, 9-11, 11-7, 11-5 (80m)
[3] Shahier Razik (CAN) bt Jean-Michel Arcucci (FRA) 11-7, 11-8, 11-5 (55m)
[8] Liam Kenny (IRL) bt [Q] Simon Rosner (GER) 11-6, 11-6, 11-5 (50m)
[6] Renan Lavigne (FRA) bt Matthew Giuffre (CAN) 11-6, 11-3, 11-6 (28m)
[4] Laurens Jan Anjema (NED) bt Wade Johnstone (AUS) 11-2, 11-8, 11-6 (35m)
[7] Eric Galvez (MEX) bt [Q] Laurent Elriani (FRA) 11-8, 5-11, 11-5, 11-8 (75m)
[Q] Chris Simpson (ENG) bt [2] Graham Ryding (CAN) 11-9, 8-11, 11-5, 7-11, 11-9 (70m)