Squash: World Open: Walker faces champion

CHRIS WALKER, who caused a surprise by reaching the semi-finals of both the World and British Opens last season, earned himself a quarter-final chance of ending the record bid of Jansher Khan in the Ballantine's World Open here today, writes Richard Eaton from Barcelona.

The England No 2 did that with a 15-10, 15-7, 10-15, 15-9 victory yesterday over Zarak Jahan Khan of Pakistan.

Walker might have won more easily. His summer's training looked to have left him in excellent condition, he was as creative as usual at the front, and showed signs of developing more tactical awareness by slowing down his basic drives, varying their direction and avoiding the high-speed rallies Zarak likes.

Walker relishes his chance against Jansher, particularly as so much of the attention is on Peter Marshall and Peter Nicol. Marshall became the second English quarter-finalist by beating Paul Steel 15-2, 15-8, 15-17, 15-8. Nicol beat the Finnish No 1, Sami Elopuro, 15-8, 15-12, 15-6.

Janser Khan, aiming to equal Jahangir Khan's record of six World Open titles, beat Phil Whitlock 15-9, 15-8, 15-7.

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