Matthew Forced to Miss British Nationals

2006 Village Squash Open - Proofs Do not publish.Nick Matthew, England’s highest-ranked player, was on the sidelines for the second consecutive year during the British National Championships (held Feb. 12-17). The 27-year-old World No. 5, who followed his title success at the US Open last October by reaching the semifinals of the World Open in December, sustained a shoulder ligament tear while leading England to their successful defense of the Men’s World Team Championships in India. Following corrective surgery, Matthew is currently undergoing intensive physiotherapy treatment.

“I’m absolutely gutted to be missing my second successive Nationals,” said the Yorkshireman whose damaged ankle ligaments in January 2007 prevented him from competing in the championships last year.

“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,” added Matthew.  “On a positive note, the surgeons have told me that the operation went well and I am confident that I will be back on court very quickly.”

Matthew, who also missed the Tournament of Champions, is not expected to make his return to the Men’s World Tour until the Dunlop British Open in Liverpool in May, made an indelible mark on squash history in 2006 when he became the first home-grown British Open Champion for 67 years, 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.