England and Scotland win decisive rubbers
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.England, the third seeds, and fifth-seeded Scotland scrambled to 2-1 wins in yesterday's second qualifying round of the Men's World Team Championship here, with the third strings, Lee Beachill and Neil Frankland, respectively clinching the decisive rubbers.
Chris Walker, the former world No 4 who reached this year's British Open final on the eve of his 34th birthday, is enjoying his sixth successive World Championship appearance for England – in two of which – 1995 and 1997 – he captained the squad to the title.
Playing the first rubber against the six-times champions, Pakistan, the 10th seeds, Walker lost 9-6, 9-3, 9-4 to the in-form former national junior champion Shahid Zaman. The squad's No 1, Mark Chaloner, then fought back from a game down to beat Shahid's cousin, Mansoor Zaman, 7-9, 9-5, 9-1, 9-7 to level the match. Beachill, the squad's No 4 and British national champion, wrapped up the victory for England with a 9-6, 9-3, 4-9, 9-6 win over Ajaz Azmat.
John White, the world No 7, lost his second successive match for Scotland in the tie against the eighth seeds, Malaysia, after his team-mate Martin Heath had put Scotland in front with a 1-9, 9-5, 9-0, 9-7 victory over Kenneth Low. The Malaysian No 1, Ong Beng Hee, was in fine form as he punished White 9-0, 9-10, 9-3, 10-8 But Frankland was ready for the challenge and the Scottish No 3 defeated Moh'd Azlan Iskandar 9-6, 8-10, 9-5, 9-8 to claim Scotland's first pool win.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments