Karwalski Ousts Wong In Auckland Upset

Australian qualifier Matthew Karwalski caused the biggest upset in today's opening round of the Auckland Open when he beat fifth seed Wai Hang Wong in the PSA Tour event at the North Shore Squash Club in Auckland, New Zealand.

The 21-year-old from New South Wales despatched the former Hong Kong champion 11-4, 11-2, 10-11 (1-3), 11-9 in 46 minutes - and will now face fourth-seeded compatriot Ryan Cuskelly in the quarter-finals.

The only other match to go against the form books saw seventh seeded New Zealander Martin Knight make an early exit from the draw when he was beaten 11-1, 11-2, 11-6 in just 26 minutes by unseeded Australian Cameron White - a win which guarantees an Australian in Sunday's final.

Top seed Kashif Shuja advanced untroubled into the second round, disposing of fellow kiwi Jared Conning in straight games, while second-seeded Australian Steve Finitsis also won 3/0 against New Zealand's Chris Lloyd.

1st round:
[1] Kashif Shuja (NZL) bt [Q] Jared Conning (NZL) 11-1, 11-3, 11-9 (22m)
[8] Campbell Grayson (NZL) bt Joshua Greenfield (NZL) 11-8, 11-5, 11-9 (26m)
[4] Ryan Cuskelly (AUS) bt Sam Atkins (NZL) 9-11, 11-3, 11-7, 11-3 (28m)
[Q] Matthew Karwalski (AUS) bt [5] Wai Hang Wong (HKG) 11-4, 11-2, 10-11 (1-3), 11-9 (46m)
Cameron White (AUS) bt [7] Martin Knight (NZL) 11-1, 11-2, 11-6 (26m)
[3] Mike Corren (AUS) bt [Q] Jacob Lohrisch (AUS) 11-4, 11-4, 11-7 (23m)
[6] Luke Margan (AUS) bt Graeme Wilson (NZL) 11-9, 8-11, 11-3, 4-11, 11-8 (56m)
[2] Steve Finitsis (AUS) bt [Q] Chris Lloyd (NZL) 11-6, 11-4, 11-6 (21m)