Peter Nicol Prepares For World Games Debut As A Briton

After beginning his illustrious squash career as a Scot, then courageously crossing the border to become an Englishman in 2001, former world No1 Peter Nicol will compete in this week's World Games in Germany for the first time as a Briton!

"It'll seem strange playing for Great Britain," said the 32-year-old Londoner who last year celebrated 60 months at the top of the world rankings. "I feel as if I've grown up all of a sudden - representing the whole nation after all this time!"

Nicol is making his debut in the World Games, the multi-sport event which is being staged in the city of Duisburg under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Peter Nicol has enjoyed a distinguished career in squash, earning 67 caps for Scotland before representing England in both the European and World Team Championships for the past three years. A gold medallist in the Commonwealth Games in both 1998 and 2002, he has won the World Open and two British Open crowns - and now stands just one title away from his 50th major international triumph.

The second seed in the World Games, Nicol faces Canada's Matthew Giuffre in the opening round before a projected semi-final clash with England team-mate James Willstrop, the 21-year-old world No8 from Yorkshire.

Nicol, currently ranked five in the world, is expected to meet his long-time rival Thierry Lincou in the final. The top-seeded Frenchman succeeded Nicol as world number one in January and this month celebrated his seventh successive month at the top.

"It's something special competing in multi-sports events like this, with an Opening Ceremony involving athletes from other sports to look forward to before we start playing. I'm really excited - and can't wait to meet up with my fellow GB team-mates later in the week," added Nicol.

The 2005 World Games will feature 3,500 athletes from 100 nations, competing at 27 venues in 40 sports ranging from Sumo to Squash. The squash action will be staged in Mülheim an der Ruhr, near Duisburg, from 16-19 July.