Czech Panacek Stuns Waller In Sportwerk Hamburg Open Opener

Czech Marek Panacek, ranked 258 in the world, produced the biggest shock of day one of the Sportwerk Hamburg Open by ousting world No.52 Adrian Waller to reach the second round of the Bronze-level event.

Tournament wildcard Panacek, who is based at Sportwerk, made home court advantage count against the Englishman to come out on top 3/2 in 57 minutes.

Panacek, ranked over 200 places below Waller, was 2/1 up before being pegged back by the former world No.17 to force a fifth game. But a number of excellent winners from the back of the court, coupled with some errors from Waller's racket, helped Panacek get over the line and seal his place in round two.

"I'm enjoying every moment of it," he said afterwards.

"It's been some time since I played this quality of squash in my opinion, I'm very happy with it and I'm looking forward to playing in the second round tomorrow.

"I was enjoying the moment on court and I played how I wanted. I was focusing on being good to the back because Adrian is very tall and he reaches every ball in the middle. That was the tactic and I'm happy I made it.

"It means a lot for my family as well. It's been quite hard the last few years with my squash and this is something we were hoping for, so I'm really happy."

Maya Weisher, the wildcard in the women's side of the draw, also claimed a huge upset as the world No.153 downed world No.65 Hayley Ward 3/2.

The 19-year-old German, who had never gone beyond the first round on home soil in two previous attempts, made it third time lucky against the South African to tee up a second round clash with No.4 seed Melissa Alves.

"I had nothing to lose and I came into this tournament to try and play my best squash, make my coach proud, make everyone proud and it was a great atmosphere," she said.

"I went to the front too early and I needed to stay more solid into the back and play more normal drives."

Elsewhere, English pair Sam Todd and Patrick Rooney came through stern tests against Yassin Elshafei and David Bernet, respectively, with both winning 3/2.

In the women's draw, Millie Tomlinson ended hopes for Katerina Tycova in a five-game thriller, while Marie Stephan recovered from 2/1 down to overcome Keira Marshall in five.