Grayson Scalps Walker in Charlottesville Open

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World No.49 Campbell Grayson produced a superlative performance to stun number four seed Alister Walker 3-1 in the first round of the Charlottesville Open, PSA M35 event.

The Australian, who won the Life Time Fitness Vegas Open back in May, started on the front foot, injecting plenty of pace into proceedings and remaining consistent throughout the first game but a resurgent Walker pegged him back in the second. Grayson redoubled his efforts though and took the third and fourth games to seal an 11-6, 8-11, 11-9, 11-7 victory to secure his place in the quarter-final.

“I’m happy to win my match today,” said Grayson.

“It’s never easy playing against a good friend and we know each other’s game well. I like the court conditions here and I’m looking forward to my match tomorrow.”

29-year-old Grayson will go up against Christopher Gordon after the qualifier came back from 2-1 to defeat England’s Tom Richards, despite a gap of 35 places between the two in the World Rankings.

Ali Farag continued his fine form by overcoming Cesar Salazar in four games to move on to the next round. The Egyptian, who has won two of his last three PSA World Tour events, shared a game apiece with his opponent in the opening two games but surged on to complete the victory and set up a quarter-final clash with top seed Karim Abdel Gawad who dispatched wildcard Joe Chapman.

South Africa’s Stephen Coppinger defeated Abierto Colombiano de Squash Club el Nogal winner Alfredo Avila in straight games and will line up against Alan Clyne in the last eight with the Scot seeing off Todd Harrity’s challenge.

Cameron Pilley and Ryan Cuskelly meanwhile scored respective wins over Arturo Salazar and Shahier Razik to ensure that they will do battle for a place in the semi-final.

Results – First Round: Charlottesville Open 2015
[1] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bt [WC] Joe Chapman (IVB) 3-1: 13-11, 11-2, 6-11, 11-5
Ali Farag (EGY) bt [6] Cesar Salazar (MEX) 3-1: 11-7, 10-12, 11-8, 11-6
[8] Ryan Cuskelly (AUS) bt [Q] Shahier Razik (CAN) 3-0: 11-7, 11-9, 11-7
[3] Cameron Pilley (AUS) bt [Q] Arturo Salazar (MEX) 3-1: 9-11, 11-3, 11-2, 11-5
Campbell Grayson (NZL) bt [4] Alister Walker (BOT) 3-1; 11-6, 8-11, 11-9, 11-7
[Q] Christopher Gordon (USA) bt [5] Tom Richards (ENG) 3-2: 11-8, 9-11, 4-11, 11-9, 11-9
[7] Alan Clyne (SCO) bt [Q] Todd Harrity (USA) 3-1: 11-6, 9-11, 11-9, 11-4
[2] Stephen Coppinger (RSA) bt Alfredo Avila (MEX) 3-0: 11-8, 11-4, 11-3

Draw – Quarter-Final
[1] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) v Ali Farag (EGY)
[8] Ryan Cuskelly (AUS) v [3] Cameron Pilley (AUS)
Campbell Grayson (NZL) v [Q] Christopher Gordon (USA)
[7] Alan Clyne (SCO) v [2] Stephen Coppinger (RSA)