Nick Matthew Plans Tour Comeback At Kuwait Men's World Open

Recently crowned British Open champion Nick Matthew is capitalising on his enforced layoff from the Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Tour by focussing on next month's Kuwait Men's World Open 2009, which will be staged at the Salmiya Club and Green Island Resort in Kuwait from 1-7 November.

It was an ankle injury sustained in this month's Men's World Team Championship in Denmark that forced the world No5 to pull out of this week's Hong Kong Open. The 29-year-old had been enjoying the best form of his career, winning the Gold Medal in the World Games in July and then winning the prestigious British Open crown for the second time in September.

Since twisting his ankle midway through an England qualifying tie against Germany, which resulted in him being unable to take any further part in his country's title defence, the England No1 and British National Champion has been focussing on fitness work in the gym and will be back on court next week.

"It was a disappointment to pull out of Hong Kong - but I have been using the time to my advantage. In many ways, it's been a blessing," said the Kuwait Men's World Open 2009 fifth seed.

Matthew is looking forward to his eighth appearance in the World Open since making his debut in the 2002 championship in Belgium. It was two years ago that he celebrated his best run in the event in Bermuda, where he reached the semi-finals.

"I'm looking forward to competing in the Kuwait World Open - I'm as confident as I can be," concluded the Englishman.

The Kuwait Men's World Open 2009, which will be held in the memory of His Highness Sheikh Saad Abdullah Al-Sabah The Patriarch Amir, in whose name the trophy shall be presented, will include a spectacular Opening and Closing Ceremony as well as hosting an Official Championship Gala Dinner.

The event also boasts a prize-fund of US$277,500 - the largest ever offered by any World Open or World Tour event.