Epic matches thrill Canary Wharf Classic crowds

By Simon Hayes on March 25, 2009 9:06 AM |

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There were no more shocks in the first round of the ISS Canary Wharf Classic last night, but there were some marathon games.

Limehouse resident Peter Barker was involved in the longest match in the six-year history of the tournament as he beat Daryl Selby in four sets.

Barker struggled to find his best form against one of his oldest friends on the circuit but finally prevailed 11/13, 11/8, 11/4, 11/9 in a 94 minute epic.

Second seed Gregory Gaultier beat last year's losing finalist Cameron Pilley 11/9, 11/5, 8/11, 11/9 to move into the last eight.

The Frenchman, who won last week's Super Series event, had a few scares against the Australian but his experience saw him through and he will face Barker in tonight's quarter-final.

Former world champion David Palmer had a more straightforward evening at the East Wintergarden, beating qualifier Tom Richards 11/5, 11/8, 11/9.

And Egyptian Wael El Hindi kept up his country's 100 per cent record so far this week with a 9/11, 12/10, 11/5, 11/5 victory over another qualifier, Joey Barrington, in an 80-minute battle.

The action promises to step up a gear this evening with the quarter-finals, starting with a clash between defending champion James Willstrop and Borja Golan.

A limited number of tickets are still available. Visit canarywharfsquash.com for details.