Channel VAS RD1: Richards Eases Into Round Two

England’s World No.26 Tom Richards was in confident form to despatch compatriot and World No.61 Richie Fallows in straight-games in the first round of the Channel VAS Championships at St. George’s Hill.

Fallows played some good squash at times but it was not enough to trouble Richards who played with confidence to comfortably book his place in the second round where he will take on India’s Saurav Ghosal.

“The big thing for me is not being injured, I haven’t been injured now for three or four years,” said Richards after his win.

“I really didn’t enjoy playing when I was injured and not knowing if in the next match I was going to do something. I think that’s the main thing and I’m enjoying it, I enjoy training and going to the gym and doing all the horrible stuff – that’s never been a problem it’s more about keeping my enjoyment of squash.

“I’m lucky that I hit with guys that I know and like and I get to hit on this court a lot, which is a big advantage I think, because it’s very different to a lot of glass courts.

“The court is a lot different to how it plays normally. A couple of the other players told me that it was a bit dead, I believed them but having played on this court for years and years where it’s lively and bouncy, it’s a bit of a shock.”

Result:
Tom Richards (ENG) bt Richie Fallows (ENG) 3-0: 11-8, 11-6, 11-7 (32m)