Power Punishes Nicol In Canary Wharf Classic Opener

The latest encounter in the long-running rivalry between England's Peter Nicol and Canada's Jonathon Power was the much-touted opener for the ISS Canary Wharf Classic at London Docklands - but the 41st meeting between two of the sport's biggest draws failed to live up to expectations.

"It was probably the worst performance of the lot," said Nicol after his 9-4 9-5 9-0 drubbing. "I was just pathetic. I never like losing much but I like to give the spectators some value for their money even when I lose. I can't say I did tonight."

Nicol, whose company Eventis is staging the event, was clearly feeling the effects of his campaign in the Kuwait Open, the final of which he contested with Australia's David Palmer less than 48 hours earlier.

Palmer, too, went down in another upset on the opening night of the second year of the Canary Wharf Classic. He led 2/1, but Egypt's Amr Shabana - described by Nicol in the event programme as 'the most exciting player in the world at the moment' - fought back to prevail 9-7 4-9 4-9 9-5 9-6.

Australian Anthony Ricketts pulled off the third upset of the night when he beat England's defending champion James Willstrop 9-5 9-5 5-9 9-5.

It was a determined-looking John White that took to the Eventis-owned all-glass court for the final match of the day. Sporting not only his fluorescent-looking new Prince racquet, but also for the first time matching bright yellow shoes, the Scot faced England's second seed Lee Beachill.

The Yorkshireman was in devastating form as he wrapped up a 10-8 9-7 9-7 victory.