Nick Matthew Withdraws From British Open

England's Nick Matthew has been forced to withdraw from next month's Dunlop British Open, to be staged in Liverpool from 8-12 May.

The 27-year-old from Sheffield made an indelible mark on squash history in 2006 when he became the event's first home-grown champion for 67 years.

Matthew, who became England's highest-ranked player at the end of last year after winning the US Open in October, sustained a shoulder ligament tear whilst leading England to their successful defence of the Men's World Team Championship in Chennai - and was hopeful of making his return to the World Tour at the British Open following corrective surgery in January.

"I'm absolutely gutted to be missing the British Open," said the sixth seed. "The 2008 British Open was always my target and not being able to play in the championships is disappointing. However, I have to look at the bigger picture and it is essential that I do not push too hard too soon. My surgeon has told me that the operation was successful and overall my rehabilitation has gone very well. I am confident that with the continued support of the English Institute of Sport (EIS) in Sheffield that I am very close to being back to full fitness," added the world No6.

Matthew's England team-mate Peter Barker is the prime benefactor in the revised draw - rising to No8 seed and now lining up against wildcard Tom Pashley in the first round.

Welshman Alex Gough is elevated to the position of 16th seed - while Englishman Daryl Selby now avoids the qualifiers to earn a place in the main draw.

Revised 1st round draw:
[1] Amr Shabana (EGY) v Davide Bianchetti (ITA)
[13] John White (SCO) v Qualifier
[5] David Palmer (AUS) v Qualifier
[12] Adrian Grant (ENG) v Qualifier
[3] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) v Mansoor Zaman (PAK)
[14] Olli Tuominen (FIN) v Joey Barrington (ENG)
[7] Karim Darwish (EGY) v Jonathan Kemp (ENG)
[15] Laurens Jan Anjema (NED) v Qualifier
[9] Lee Beachill (ENG) v Daryl Selby (ENG)
[8] Peter Barker (ENG) v Tom Pashley (ENG)
[10] Ong Beng Hee (MAS) v Qualifier
[4] James Willstrop (ENG) v Aamir Atlas Khan (PAK)
[16] Alex Gough (WAL) v Qualifier
[6] Thierry Lincou (FRA) v Qualifier
[11] Mohd Azlan Iskandar (MAS) v Qualifier
[2] Ramy Ashour (EGY) v Alister Walker (ENG)