SQUASH - Mahindra World Open Final

[Michael Hansen]

WORLD SQUASH NEWS

RESULTS: Mahindra World Open Squash Championship, Doha, Qatar

Final:
[2] Jonathon Power (CAN) bt [1] Peter Nicol (SCO) 15/17 15/7 15/9 15/10 (72
mins)

Canada's Jonathon Power beat Scotland's world No1 Peter Nicol in the final
of
the $175,000 Mahindra World Open Squash Championship in Qatar today
(Saturday
5 December) to become the first North American world squash champion.

Power, the 24-year-old world No3 from Toronto, was ahead for most of the
first
game in the pair's fifth meeting this year. The Scot, however, came back
from
9/12 down to game ball at 14/12, with Power saving three game balls before
Nicol took the opener 17/15. As the 25-year-old world No1 from Inverurie
noticeably tired during the second game, so the Canadian began to take
control
of the match, eventually coming through a 15/17 15/7 15/9 15/10 winner in 72
minutes.

"I guess this was just one tournament too many," said the disconsolate
runner-
up after the match. "Jonathon played a fantastic game - after all, it is
his
court - and he thoroughly deserves to be world champion."

The Canadian, who beat Nicol in last year's final of the Qatar International
on the all-glass court in Doha, was overjoyed with his success. "I always
thought I had a good chance - if you play well, you win, and I played well
tonight. I thought I had a tough draw, but I've had a great week here. I
love to play here in Qatar, and can't wait to defend my title next year in
Cairo."

- ENDS -

Issued on behalf of: PSA For further information: Howard Harding, Doha,
Qatar
Tel: (974) 409640/835759 Fax: (974) 835663 Email:
How...@aol.com
WSQ 409 5 December 1998