Seeds Prosper Indoors In Chicago Open

Rainfall on the second day of main draw action in the first USA squash event to be held outdoors led to play in the Sweet Home Chicago Open in Chicago being transferred to the indoor courts at the city's Lakeshore Athletic Club.

An all-English clash was first up on the second day of first round play in the $30,000 PSA Tour event as second seed Peter Barker faced US-based qualifier Mark Heather. Left-hander Barker kept the ball tight to the walls throughout to beat the University Club of Chicago's Head Pro 11-5, 11-6, 11-9.

The 24-year-old world No12 now faces Shahier Razik, the fifth seed from Canada who beat English qualifier Shaun le Roux 11-5, 11-6, 11-6.

"I was fortunate to win in three," conceded the Egyptian-born 30-year-old from Toronto. "The court plays dead so I went in short when I could."

Of his quarter-final opponent Barker, Razik added: "I've never played him before. He's a lefty and a solid player which will be a little trickier. I'm looking forward to it."

Egypt's Hisham Mohd Ashour, the sixth seed, beat Stephen Coppinger 11-6, 11-7, 11-9 - but the South African qualifier said he never felt relaxed against Ashour. "I couldn't play my game. If I made a mistake or hit a loose shot, he was there for it," admitted the 6' 6" Coppinger.

Ashour now faces third seed Olli Tuominen after the Finn beat Canadian Shawn Delierre 12-10, 11-3, 11-6.

Tuominen, who prefers playing on the glass court, said: "Playing on the panel court, the ball comes quickly off the front wall," referring to the indoor court construction at Lakeshore. "The ball is deader on the glass court, so it's easier to put in a kill shot.

"I made a few errors in the first game then felt more comfortable in game two," added the Finn.

1st round:
[6] Hisham Mohd Ashour (EGY) bt [Q] Stephen Coppinger (RSA) 11-6, 11-7, 11-9 (31m)
[3] Olli Tuominen (FIN) bt Shawn Delierre (CAN) 12-10, 11-3, 11-6 (32m)
[5] Shahier Razik (CAN) bt [Q] Shaun le Roux (ENG) 11-5, 11-6, 11-6 (31m)
[2] Peter Barker (ENG) bt [Q] Mark Heather (ENG) 11-5, 11-6, 11-9 (35m)