Matthew Marches Into Canary Wharf Quarters

England's Nick Matthew began the defence of his Canary Wharf Classic title with a comfortable straight games victory over compatriot Eddie Charlton during the first day of action at East Wintergarden in Canary Wharf, London.

The 34-year-old from Sheffield, vying to win the PSA International 50 title for the fifth time in his career, was in sublime form as he dispatched World No.52 Charlton 11-4, 11-5, 11-7 in just 36 minutes to send out a message to his main rivals as he seeks to win a third consecutive PSA World Tour title this year.

The three-time World Champion has been in emphatic form recently, winning both the Swedish Open and Windy City Open, and he will now take on dangerous Egyptian talent Fares Dessouki in the last eight to keep his hopes of clinching a tour hat-trick alive.

"It was important to get a good start in each game tonight and I was pleased with how I got going and kept going," said Matthew. "I'm really enjoying my squash at the moment.

"It was unbelievable to come out and play in front of a packed house on the first night - the atmosphere here is always great - and I'm looking forward to hopefully having a few more matches on court here this week."

Eighth seed Dessouki, competing at the event for the first time in his career, booked his place to face Matthew with a comprehensive 3/0 win over England's Adrian Waller, while Daryl Selby and Borja Golan were also victorious on the first day of action, overcoming Joe Lee and Laurens Jan Anjema, respectively.

Canary Wharf Classic image courtesy of www.squashpics.com