Simpson loses title, but wins in his head

Wednesday 9th December 2009, 2:29PM GMT.

CHRIS SIMPSON was unable to successfully defend his Edmonton squash title in Canada.

The Sarnian, pictured, won his first and second round matches in a tournament doubled in size to the corresponding 2008 event and upgraded to two-star status, but then lost to Mohammad Abbas 11-7 in the fifth.

Abbas was always likely to be a dangerous opponent. He was world ranked 13 before he got injured.

‘It was a very close match and could have gone either way,’ said Simpson.

‘I am really happy with how I played and, although I didn’t win, I think it is the best squash I have played this season and it has given me a lot of confidence, something I have been lacking recently.