Peter Nicol Wins Dayton Open Final

In a brilliant display of squash of the highest quality, England's Peter Nicol triumphed in straight games over Egypt's Amr Shabana in the men's final of the EBS Asset Management Dayton Open in Ohio, USA.

It was the former world number one's 49th PSA Tour trophy in his 14th year of title-winning prowess on the international circuit. The success also marks a magnificent 'mini comeback' for the 31-year-old world No3 who suffered a shock defeat in the first round of last week's Windy City Open in Chicago.

Both players were in fine form in the first game, played in front of a capacity crowd. It was nip and tuck until 7-6 when Nicol, who was leading, took command and reeled off four straight points to close out the game.

The second game featured electrifying squash with massive rallies throughout. The Englishman was 10-6 up when fellow left-hander Shabana started an all-out push to get back in the match. The former world champion won five straight points, many of them unbelievable rallies to the packed gallery, to take an 11-10 lead in the tie-break.

"The next point was, without a doubt, one of the most incredible rallies I've ever seen (and I've seen a fair amount of pro squash)," said tournament organiser Charlie Johnson. "Both players were attacking and retrieving, back and forth, both saving what seemed to be sure, absolute winning shots and continuing the rally, until a drop by Shabana that was retrieved by Nicol was just too much for Shabana.

"He tinned the re-drop in an act of surrender and the match was won right there. The crowd erupted in a standing ovation after that point, Nicol closed out that game and the third was a mere formality," added Johnson, after the favourite's 11-6 11-10 11-2 victory.

"Nicol showed why he was, and can be again, the No1 player in the world," Johnson concluded.

Final:
[1] Peter Nicol (ENG) bt [2] Amr Shabana (EGY) 11-6, 11-10 (3-1), 11-2 (52m)