18-Jan-08:
Matthew's Nationals jinx
strikes again ...

England's No.1 squash player Nick Matthew has been forced to withdraw from next month’s British National Championships to be staged at the National Squash Centre in Sportcity, Manchester from the 10th to 17th February.

Matthew, who consolidated his position as England's highest-ranked player by winning last year's US Open, sustained a shoulder ligament tear whilst leading England to their successful defence of the Men’s World Team Championships in Chennai, and was forced to withdraw from the Tournament of Champions, the first Super Series event of the year, which concluded in New York earlier this week.

Following corrective surgery the 27-year-old World No.5 is currently undergoing intensive physiotherapy treatment.

Matthew, who won the title in 2006, also missed the 2007 event after damaging ankle ligaments last January.

"I’m absolutely gutted to be missing my second successive Nationals. The Nationals has always been an important event in my schedule and not being able to play in the championships since winning the title in 2006 is a massive blow.

"On a positive note, the surgeons have told me that the operation went well and I am confident that with the support of the English Institute of Sport (EIS) in Sheffield that I will be back on court very quickly."

Matthew is not expected to make his return to the Men’s World Tour until the Dunlop British Open which will be held in Liverpool from the 8th to 12th May.

Matthew made an indelible mark on squash history in 2006 when he became the first home-grown British Open Champion in the event’s prestigious 75 year history, rounding off a sensational year which began with him being crowned British National Champion for the first time and also included him winning the British Grand Prix title.