CHRIS SIMPSON’S season kicks off with one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world this month. The Sarnian will be competing against squash’s best at the Mamut English Open – the first major event of the 2006-7 calendar, which takes place on the famous glass court of the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield from 15-19 August.

Nineteen-year-old Simpson, who is currently ranked 122 in the world, will enter the tournament at the qualifying stage that is held over the two days prior to the tournament proper.

‘I am really looking forward to the English Open,’ said the island’s Common-wealth Games star.

‘I have taken three months out of tournaments in the summer to concentrate on training and feel my game has come on in leaps and bounds.

‘I can’t wait to be tested in a tournament situation.’

Simpson will be in the company of one of the sport’s great, Peter Nicol, for whom the Mamut English Open will provide his last match on English soil having recently announced his retirement.