Grainger Withdrawal Boosts Home Hopes In British Open

Continuing foot injury problems have led US world number two Natalie Grainger to withdraw from this month's internationalSPORTgroup British Open in Manchester and the Forexx Women's World Open in the Dutch capital Amsterdam.

The US champion - a finalist in all seven WISPA World Tour events in which has competed this year, and winner of four titles - is suffering with plantar fasciitis and has been unable to train in recent weeks.

"I am bitterly disappointed to have to pull out of both the British and World Opens," said Grainger, a runner-up in both events. "Those two events mean so much to me and to all players, and to be faced with the decision I've made has made for some stressful weeks.

"I have been suffering with a foot injury that has not cleared up and I am going to have to seek further medical attention. I look forward to being back and competing as soon as I can."

While Australia's three-time champion Rachael Grinham takes over as second seed - behind Malaysian favourite Nicol David, the reigning champion - the withdrawal boosts domestic hopes in the internationalSPORTgroup British Open - Manchester 2009.

Londoner Alison Waters, the world No5, moves up to third seed and England team-mate Jenny Duncalf rises to fourth seed in the sport's longest-running event which gets underway at the National Squash Centre on Thursday.

Updated British Open 1st round draw:
[1] Nicol David (MAS) v Lauren Briggs (ENG)
[5] Madeline Perry (IRL) v Qualifier
[3] Alison Waters (ENG) v Jaclyn Hawkes (NZL)
[7] Isabelle Stoehr (FRA) v Qualifier
[8] Vanessa Atkinson (NED) v Tania Bailey (ENG)
[4] Jenny Duncalf (ENG) v Qualifier
[6] Laura Massaro (ENG) v Samantha Teran (MEX)
[2] Rachael Grinham (AUS) v Qualifier