Wall Downs No.3 Seed Rodriguez To Gatecrash Manchester Open Quarters

England's Nick Wall recorded his first win over former British Open champion Miguel Rodriguez when he upset the No.3 seed to reach the quarter-finals of the Manchester Open at the English city's National Squash Centre.

The pair were involved in many long rallies during the PSA Squash Tour Bronze clash. The Yorkshireman took the first game in confident fashion, winning 11-4 but was pegged back by the former world No.4 when the Colombian drew level.

Wall was trying his best to stay in front of Rodriguez and use his strength around the middle to pick off loose drives. After 53 minutes, it was a perfect backhand drop that was the killer blow for Rodriguez as Wall advanced through to the final eight.

"It was a tough match. There was a lot going on tactically on there with Miguel today," said Wall.

"I felt like I had to get the balance right between being patient but not being too passive. I had to get my attacks in at the right time but be aware of his counter because we all know how quick he is and how random he can be.

"It's always nice to play so close to home, this is what we do it for. To play in front of friends and family is always a great thing and I'm looking forward for another opportunity to do it tomorrow."

Wall's compatriot Grace Gear was another who scored an upset on day two as she confidently beat Egypt's No.8 seed Mariam Metwally. The rallies were short and sharp between the two but it was the Englishwoman who managed to keep her composure best to wrap up the match in 25 minutes.

In one of the final matches of the day, India's Abhay Singh defeated No.7 seed Nathan Lake in four games. The pair shared two quick fire opening games, but settled into longer, more attritional rallies as the match progressed. With the score level at 7-7 in the third, Singh pulled away, winning four points in a row to take a 2/1 lead. In a closely contested fourth game, the pair were again neck and neck heading into the latter stages but again it was Singh who found the answers to win 11-8.