EXPERIENCE told as Chris Simpson (pictured) lost a tight four-setter to the world number 18 yesterday.

The 21-year-old Sarnian pushed number five seed Alister Walker all the way in the second round of the British National Championship in Manchester, before going down 11-9, 9-11, 11-7, 12-10 in a 72-minute encounter.

‘It was pretty tough, but I felt I played really well – one of my best matches for a long time – so I’m not too gutted,’ said No. 15 seed Simpson.

‘My squash matched up to his on the day. He is just that little bit stronger and the biggest thing is his added experience.

‘When I got in a good position, I got a little bit excitable and perhaps snatched at shots thinking I needed to because I was playing such a high-ranked player when otherwise I would’ve taken them routinely.

‘I was actually 10-7 up in the fourth – game-ball to go to a fifth – and I messed it up a bit. So while it was a decent performance, there are also bits to work on.’