A REMODELLED Chris Simpson begins his British National Championship campaign today.
‘The whole of January was about tough training really and changing a few things technically,’ the 21-year-old Sarnian said yesterday while driving through the Pennines from his Harrogate base to Manchester.
‘There were times last month when I felt like I couldn’t play squash because when you have been doing a certain thing for so long and then try something new, it feels so strange.
‘But sometimes you need to take a couple of steps backwards before you start going forwards.’
Simpson is the number 15 seed at the National Squash Centre in Sportcity this week and will play a qualifier in the first round today.
He acknowledged that whoever he faces will be a tough opponent, but he wants to live up to his seeding to get a shot at the number five seed tomorrow.
‘In the second round I am due to meet Alistair Walker, who is number 18 in the world now,’ said Simpson, who is ranked 58.
‘I would go in there looking to win, although he would definitely start as favourite.
‘I train with him quite a bit, so we both know each other’s game and I know if I play well then I’d have a chance.’
Article posted on 10th February, 2009 - 2.29pm
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