Squash fans ready for Canary Wharf Classic start

The final four places were filled over the weekend when the qualifying tournament at Wimbledon saw Daryl Selby, Joey Barrington, Davide Bianchetti and Mohammed El Shorbagy all book places in the first round.

Tonight's action starts at 5.30pm when Frenchman Thierry Lincou takes on Spain's Borja Golan.

They are followed by defending champion James Willstrop who meets Alister Walker.

Tournament favourite, and number one seed, Amr Shabana is in action at 8pm against Bianchetti.

Nick Matthew, tipped by many to lift the title this year, rounds things off at 9pm when he plays El Shorbagy.

For Matthew (pictured top with Amr Shabana), the Wharf tournament is something the world's fifth best player is really relishing after missing last year through injury.

He said: "I'm looking forward to it immensely.

"I've not really played my best squash in it before so I'm keen to put a good run together.

"It will be tough because there are eight of the world's top ten playing so the margins will be very fine."

Matthew, 28, missed most of last season with a shoulder injury but has returned in fine form, winning two tournaments and finishing runner-up in two more.

But there were times when he wondered if he would ever compete again.

He said: "The injury was the toughest thing ever. If you ask any sportsman he'll tell you that.

"I was out for nine months and it was a long haul, but as they say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

"Luckily my trainers kept me motivated and the hardest thing was when I was back on court not wrapping myself in cotton wool.

"I had to hold myself back because I didn't want to aggravate the injury but luckily it's healed pretty well.

"I've come back a better player and I've got my ranking back up to my joint highest ever."

Matthew is keen to emulate fellow-Yorkshireman James Willstrop and win what is now the pre-eminent tournament in London.

He was full of praise for the event, and particularly its East Wintergarden setting.

He said: "We love the intimate venue because it's always buzzing.

"The corporate stuff works really well and I think there's definitely a big interest in squash in Canary Wharf.

"It might not be the top tournament in terms of prize money but the atmosphere is quite unique.

"And there's a great contrast between the established squash audience and those new to it. It's really great to play in."

Nick Matthew is a Dunlop brand ambassador and uses a Dunlop Aerogel 4D Evolution 120.

A limited number of tickets are still available. For details visit cwsquash.com.

For updates on the action at the ISS Canary Wharf Classic visit wharf.co.uk every morning.