COMMONWEALTH GAMES: World number two Matthew survives a scare

From Sportsbeat staff, in Delhi

 ENGLAND'S Nick Matthew secured his place in the last 16 of the Commonwealth Games in Delhi - but he was pushed all the way by unseeded Malaysian Mohd Nafiizwan Adnan.

Matthew, competing in his first event since a fever forced his withdrawal from the British Grand Prix last month, took the first game - but then found himself 10-7 down in the second.

The England number one, who had a bye in the first round, saved four game balls to take the game - and quickly moved 6-2 up in the third.

But his 24-year-old opponent, ranked 52nd in the world, won eight points in a row to reach game-ball, then taking the game after a brief fightback by the Englishman.

Matthew, bidding to win his first Games medal, steadied himself in the fourth and won five straight points from 7-3 to clinch an 11-6, 13-11, 8-11, 11-3 victory after 75 minutes.

"I've played him once before - but I knew he'd improved, and that he'd had a good run this morning, whereas it was my first match," said Matthew.

"When I nicked that second game, I thought I had it - but, credit to him, he came back and took the third.

"Maybe it will be good to have had bit more of a workout than I expected - it gave me a good chance to get the cobwebs out of my system.

"This is the biggest thing for us - it would be brilliant to win it - but there's a long way to go yet."

Chris Simpson caused the first upset - and became the first Guernsey player ever to make the men's last 16 - when he beat New Zealand's 15th seed Martin Knight 11-8, 11-4, 12-14, 11-3 in 64 minutes.

"The courts were really bouncy and I had to work hard for every point," said Simpson. "I squandered four match balls in the fourth - but I'd already worked him pretty hard in the earlier games.

"I knew I had a chance against Martin. Although he's ranked higher than me, I've beaten him twice before.

"I was well-supported by a big Guernsey contingent, who were pretty noisy - and that was great.

"The Guernsey squad - across all sports - is really close-knit. My best friend Tobin Horton is in the cycling team, and we've know each other since we were three!"

Malaysian super star Nicol David began her 2010 Games campaign in stunning style, overcoming Sri Lankan, Damindhi Udangawa 11-2, 11-4, 11-2 in just 18 minutes.

The top women's seed, who celebrated her 50th consecutive month as world number one last month, is firm favourite to win her first gold medal - after finishing a disappointing fourth last time in Melbourne.

"I've learned a lot from the last few years, even the last few weeks, and I want to take that energy forward into the Games," said the 27-year-old.

"I felt good on court today. I was trying to get the feel of the glass court. She got a few good shots in and I had to tighten up.

"It's a real boost having your team mates around you - they give you extra support. Once you're there, you just want to get in there and get going."

Alison Waters, one of David's main rivals from England, took three fewer minutes to earn her place in the last 16, beating Canadian Samantha Cornett 11-2, 11-4, 11-5 in her opening match in 15 minutes.

"I've never played Sam before - but it's quite funny, as I met her years ago when I played one of my first international events in Canada and stayed with her family," explained the third seed afterwards.

"She was 11 years old then, and playing junior squash. But she's a good player now, and hits the ball really well.

"Being in the Games is a great experience - it was brilliant being involved with last night's Opening Ceremony. The atmosphere is great - and the England team spirit is brilliant - we all want to do well.

"But it's good to get the first match out of the way."

Fellow Londoner Peter Barker also eased into the third round of the men's competition after defeating Scotland's Alan Clyne 11-4, 11-2, 11-3.

"To be honest, I was a bit apprehensive about my match - I would have preferred to play Alan on the glass court," said the third-seeded left-hander after his 40-minute victory. "But I knew I'd have to be there for a long time as he's so fit.

"But I'm pleased with the way I played - I was happy with 3-0."