Barker Thwarts Palmer's Half Century Celebrations In Baltimore

David Palmer was denied the chance to celebrate his 50th appearance in a PSA Tour squash final with a win when the Australian was beaten in an 89-minute five-game marathon by England's Peter Barker in the climax of the Merritt Properties Open at the Merritt Athletic Club in Baltimore, USA.

Palmer joined a distinguished group of players who have reached 50 Tour finals or more - including Pakistanis Jansher Khan and Jahangir Khan; Briton Peter Nicol and Canadian Jonathon Power - when he beat Finland's Olli Tuominen in the semi-finals.

The Baltimore win was the second upset by the left-hander from London over Palmer in successive Tour finals. But after beating the world No5 in straight games in the final of the Chicago Open 13 days earlier, Barker dropped the first game in the $40,000 Tour event at the Merritt Club as Palmer looked set to gain revenge.

However, second seed Barker clawed back the next two games to move ahead - but favourite Palmer despatched his opponent for just two points in the fourth as the match moved into a fifth game decider.

Barker ultimately prevailed to win 7-11, 11-7, 11-4, 2-11, 11-8 to secure the 12th PSA Tour title of his career.

The win will no doubt boost Barker's confidence as he now turns his attention to next month's Hi-Tec World Open in Manchester, where he is the 12th seed. Unbeaten since losing to Egypt's world number one Amr Shabana in Cairo in August, Barker faces the Mexican number one Eric Galvez in the opening round - and can only face Palmer in the event if the pair both reach the final.

Final:
[2] Peter Barker (ENG) bt [1] David Palmer (AUS) 7-11, 11-7, 11-4, 2-11, 11-8 (89m)