Alexander, Pilley into second round in Richmond
22-Feb-2012 -
The 23-year-old AIS scholarship holder from Brisbane, who had to qualify to reach the main draw of the world series event, played some superb squash to stun Clyne 11-6, 11-3, 11-8 in 40 minutes.
It is the first time Alexander has made it past the first round of a world series tournament and highlights the massive improvements he has made over the past 12 months.
Alexander now plays fifth seed and former world No.1 Karim Darwish of Egypt in the second round.
The pair last played in the first round of the Australian Open last August, where the Egyptian won in four close games.
Australian number one Cameron Pilley will take on Egyptian superstar Ramy Ashour in the second round after winning a colourful clash against Canadian Shawn DeLierre.
The match ended in controversial fashion as De Lierre was punished with two conduct strokes for audible obscenities, the second coming on match ball.
After his 11-6, 11-8, 9-11, 11-8 victory, Pilley said: “You never know what to expect when you play Shawn. He has some unusual shots and is very quick around court.”
He acknowledged he would have to lift his game if he wanted to upset Ashour.
“I am looking forward to playing Ramy again but I know I will need to sharpen up,” he said.
Earlier, Ashour blitzed Australian qualifier Matthew Karwalski 11-8, 11-1, 11-8.
“That was just like going to squash school and being given a lesson,” a bemused Karwalski said afterwards.
“It didn’t matter what I did, Ramy had an answer for it. Even if I hit a good ball past him and sent him to the back of the court, he would just run past me and hit a winner.
“In fact, he hit winners from anywhere and everywhere. He hit some shots I have never even seen before. At times I just had no idea what to do. There is no doubt that, when he is free from injury, Ramy is the best player in the world.”