Steinmann Win Sets Up 'Special' Home Grasshopper Cup Clash

Swiss No.2 Dimitri Steinmann delighted a packed-out Squash Arena Uster in the first round of the Grasshopper Cup, beating George Parker to set up a dream all-Swiss last 16 match-up with the nation's No.1 player Nicolas Mueller.

Playing in the day's final match on the glass court, Steinmann outlasted his English opponent in a physical encounter, winning 11-5, 5-11, 11-6 in 40 minutes.

Playing in his hometown of Zurich, Steinmann sealed victory with a forehand winner, and spoke after the match of his excitement at facing his compatriot and friend on home soil in round two.

"Nicholas is one of my best friends, on and off the tour," he said.

"I think it's going to be a special moment when we play on the biggest court in Switzerland in front of the biggest crowd - the two best players in Switzerland's history.

"I can't wait. I'm already electrified, so it's going to be special for sure."

Earlier in the day, Greg Lobban battled through a 48-minute thriller against Nick Wall to reach round two.

The Scottish No.1 looked to be heading towards a routine victory at 10-7 up in the second, having taken game one 11-4, but Wall staged an impressive fightback, saving three match balls before eventually taking it 16-14.

Lobban made his experience count when it mattered, though, winning six of the next eight points to wrap up victory.

"Best of three makes everybody really anxious when they go on," Lobban said after the match.

"I won the first game reasonably comfortably 11-4 and then at 10-7 up it'd have been nice to finish that off 11-7.

"I definitely had one sitter on my forehand volley that I missed, and I was trying to get that out of my mind between those second and third games, because if that went a millimetre up it was probably match over.

"It's difficult to come back in those situations but I'm pleased to reset and get over the line".

In the women's draw, England's Grace Gear continued her good form by upsetting France's Enora Villard 11-9, 11-6.

Gear came into this event having won her first PSA Tour Platinum event match at the US Open, and wrapped up the win here in 20 minutes.

Lucy Turmel, Emily Whitlock and Jasmine Hutton also progressed into round two, as did Kenzy Ayman, who recorded a first win of the season and a first ever PSA Tour win over fellow Egyptian Hana Moataz.

There was, however, disappointment for Katie Malliff, who retired with a back injury having taken game one against Georgia Adderley.