CHRIS SIMPSON will today face the world No. 5, Nick Matthew, in the world’s oldest and most prestigious squash championship.

The Guernseyman was the only Briton to survive yesterday’s qualifying finals of the British Open when he beat South African Stephen Coppinger to earn a place in the main draw against the No. 4 seed.

The 22-year-old Sarnian had to overcome a scratchy first game, however, before beating the world No. 57 2-11, 11-4, 11-5, 11-9 in 55 minutes in Manchester.

‘In the first game, I didn’t think I was even going to get a point,’ said Simpson.

‘He’s a massive guy and so unorthodox – I simply couldn’t read him in the first game.

‘But after that, I settled down and managed to compose myself and from then on I was always in front.’

In the first qualifying round, Simpson had taken 39min. to beat Welsh No. 1 Rob Sutherland 11-9, 11-7, 11-7.

‘I was really happy with that as I lost to him last time we played in Sweden in February,’ Simpson said.

MATT OLIVER hit 78 not out as Cobo beat Strollers by 87 runs in Barclays Wealth Evening League Division One last night at the KGV.

Details to follow.