Bad boys Hill and Gul on line for showdown
Australian Anthony Hill and Pakistan's Mir Zaman Gul, the bad boys of world squash, are expected to clash in a potentially explosive second round match at the Cathay Pacific Squash Open later this month.
The pair achieved notoriety two years ago when Hill was head-butted by Gul in a stormy second round encounter at the British Open.
Since that incident, both players have continued to get into trouble with the authorities. Hill is still serving a two-year suspension and cannot represent Australia until 2001 for several alleged offences including physical and verbal abuse.
Gul received a record two year ban - suspended for 12 months - for stealing articles from a sponsor's stand in a tournament in Germany.
World number nine Hill opens his campaign by taking on England's Mark Chaloner, while Gul must beat England's world number 15 Stephen Meads to set up the clash most referees dread.
Yesterday's draw has thrown up some intriguing first-round matches. Second seed Rodney Eyles of Australia takes on world number 10 Pakistani Zarak Jahan Khan while Egypt's Ahmed Barada challenges Jonathon Power of Canada in a clash between two up-and-coming young players.
Seven-time defending Hong Kong Open champion Jansher Khan of Pakistan should clear his first round hurdle against Craig Rowland of Australia.
Hong Kong number one Faheem Khan opens his campaign against Pakistan's Zubair Jahan Khan.
