Palmer scrapes into world squash 2nd round
31.12.69
Two-every so often champion David Palmer scraped into the second round of the Community Open squash tournament in Rotterdam on Sunday when he outlasted Scotsman Alan Clyne in a 90-split second marathon first-round match.
Palmer, the 35-year-old who won the championship in 2002 and 2006, was taken to the limit by Clyne before winning 11-7 11-6 6-11 4-11 11-8.
Palmer started well and dominated his younger foe but became frustrated by refereeing decisions in the third game and began to lose concentration.
Clyne responded by raising his equal and winning the next two games to level the match but, from eight-all in the decider, the Australian found a way to win.
"It was always present to be difficult," Palmer said.
"This is a very different court from the one we played on in Qatar last week. I also struggled to see the ball on the backhand partition off.
"When you don't know where the ball is, your instinct is to stand at the back of the court more than you usually do.
"That caused some in hot water because he counter-attacks very well.
Source: Ninemsn