Nicol warms to 11-point format ahead of HK Open
Top seed Peter Nicol has given the thumbs up to the new 11-point scoring system that will be launched for the first time at this week's Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Squash Open.
The Briton, defending champion, admitted he had 'mixed feelings' at first about tampering with the 15-point-a-game format, but warmed to the change after a special trial with the 11-point system at the Brit Insurance Super Series in May.
'It works much better,' the world number one said as he prepared to open his challenge at the Hong Kong Squash Centre tomorrow.
'It's more exciting, dynamic, more of an attacking game. There is less deadball action. We'll just have to be more adaptable.'
The previous 15-point system will be replaced by an 11-point game with a two-point margin if players reach 10-all; the number of sets remains the best of five.
Second seed Lee Beachill said there would be 'more crisis points, which will be good for people to watch', while fifth seed John White added: 'It's more exciting for players and spectators.'
Beachill said it would affect players' styles as 'fitness doesn't come into it as much, but starts are now going to be very important'.
Yesterday's qualifying round saw both Hong Kong qualifiers knocked out. Roger Ngan lost 11-8, 11-5, 11-6 to Egypt's Hisham Moah Ashour, and Max Lee was also defeated in straight games to Cameron Pilley of Australia, 11-4, 11-5, 11-4.
Ashour and Pilley will now face each other for a qualifier's place in the main draw.
