Herbert Ousts Former Champion Rodriguez In Day One British Open Upset

Simon Herbert and Nardine Garas both progressed to the second round of the Quilter Cheviot British Open after securing statement victories over the 2018 Champion Miguel Rodriguez and the world No.21 Anahat Singh in what was an exciting opening day at the Solihull Arden Club in Birmingham.

Englishman Herbert was able to kickstart his British Open campaign with a massive victory against the Colombian world No.23 Rodriguez in straight games.

Despite winning the match in three, the opener proved that it wouldn't be made easy for the world No.59 and, with the duo sharing 28 points, it was Herbert who was able to claim the advantage, winning 15-13.

From then on, the home hero was able to control the game, with the opening 26-minute game seemingly taking its physical toll on the former world No.4, who was unable to build any momentum in the match.

Ultimately, it was the world No.59 who was able to stun the former British Open Champion, winning the third 11-4.

A hometown hero, training in Birmingham regularly, Herbert shared his feelings after his breakthrough victory: "I'm ecstatic, it was a big relief when I had won, so, getting it over the line was important today, and it is just a massive relief.

"Beating him 3/0 is really special. I mean, he did something special years ago, so I am just glad to have got that win."

In the women's draw, Garas caused another upset after eliminating higher-ranked Singh in four games. In the early stages of the match, Garas was able to push the India No.1 to her limit, with the 22-year-old taking the first game 11-8.

Although she lost the second 8-11, she remained unfazed and was able to bounce back to win the next two games 11-8, 11-9. The victory will see the Egyptian play No.8 seed Tinne Gilis on the glass court at the Rep in Birmingham.

Garas said: "I'm so happy with the way I played today. I gave it my all and I thought it's the last tournament of the season and I wanted to give it my all.

"I'm excited that my next match is at the Rep as my next match is on the glass. Let's see how it goes and I'm so excited to play."

Joining her in the next round will also be her compatriot Adam Hawal, who progressed after stunning the world No.33 Bernat Jaume in straight games, as well as world No.24 Kenzy Ayman, who overcame an intense on-court battle against Lucy Beecroft, winning 3/2 in 56 minutes.

The day also saw France's Melissa Alves book her spot into the next round after beating her compatriot Lauren Baltayan, as well as siblings Torrie Malik and Curtis Malik, who reached the last 32 following victories against Egyptians Hana Ramadan and Karim El Hammamy, respectively.

The evening session also saw plenty of action, with USA's Timothy Brownell progressing after a brutal 53-minute match against Moustafa Elsirty, and Hong Kong's Sin Yuk Chan surviving the battle against Hollie Naughton to secure a place in the next round.

Elsewhere, wildcard Sam Todd - ranked 36 in the world - put himself through to the last 32 after a gruelling 54-minute contest against world No.16 Fares Dessouky, winning 3/1. The Yorkshireman will be joined by India's Veer Chotrani, who defeated Noor Zaman 3/1 and Nadien Elhammany, who progressed after beating fellow Egyptian Mariam Metwally in straight games.