St George's Hill In Maiden PSL Final Bid

TWP St George's Hill will be bidding to make the Premier Squash League (PSL) final for the first time when they host former champions LEBC Group Chapel Allerton in tonight's semi-finals of the world's most prestigious squash league.

The Weybridge club is the only team unbeaten in all but one of their ties so far this season - and will be led by British National champion Daryl Selby, the world No12 from Essex, in tonight's tie against the 2009 champions from Leeds.

"We'll have a big crowd at the club tonight who will be doing everything they can to support our team's historic bid," said team manager Danny Lee, the former England junior international who captained London club Cannons to their first PSL title success in 1986.

"It would be massive not only for the club, but for squash in the area, if we made the final," added Lee.

Chapel Allerton's team manager Neil Guirey acknowledges that the home side have a slight advantage: "We are delighted to be in the semi's, particularly after losing our top two players - Alister Walker and Thierry Lincou - which I think highlights both our strength in depth and team spirit.

"As a team we are looking forward to the fixture. I feel we are going in as slight underdogs but will give it everything we have got and see if we can cause an upset."

The other semi-final promises to be a tight encounter in which three times former champions Benz-Bavarian Duffield entertain reigning champions Surrey Health & Racquets. Duffield will be led by England's world number one and world champion Nick Matthew as the Derbyshire club bids to make the final for a sixth time since 1995.

Matthew takes on England team-mate Peter Barker, the world No7, in what could be the tie-decider.

A packed house is guaranteed at Duffield - and team manager Felix Frixou believes his team has a notable advantage: "The manager plays a big role, especially against odds - but when anyone plays at Duffield, they play against 150 people, in the most respectful way of course!"

Croydon club Surrey Health & Racquets have won the PSL title twice in the last three years: "We're looking forward very much to visiting Duffield for our semi-final," said team manager Pete Smith. "We have an all British team and look forward to a very competitive match.

"I am sure it is going to be an excellent night of squash with the big prize of a place in the final."

Semi-Final line-ups (with player world rankings indicated, where appropriate):

Benz-Bavarian Duffield v Surrey Health & Racquets
Nick Matthew (W1) v Peter Barker (W6)
Joel Hinds (W73) v Adrian Grant (W18)
Andy Whipp (-) v Alan Clyne (W49)
Matthew Karwalski (W75) v Adrian Waller (W61)
Laura Hill (W95) v Victoria Lust (W38)

TWP St George's Hill v LEBC Group Chapel Allerton
Daryl Selby (W12) v Aaron Frankcomb (W41)
Nicolas Mueller (W35) v Chris Simpson (W43)
Mark Krajcsak (W54) v Laurence Delasaux (W92)
Stephen Meads (-) v Adam Murrills (W156)
Dominique Lloyd-Walter (W44) v Carrie Ramsey (W103)