NEW YORKER WALKER FACES FLORIDA-BASED AUSSIE PALMER

New York-based Englishman Alister Walker overcame Stewart Boswell in four games of high-paced, aggressive squash. He now meets another vastly experienced Australian, former world champion David Palmer, in the second round.

Walker won 12-10, 11-9, 5-11, 11-4 in 64 minutes of gripping combat and said: "Winning those first two games was crucial. Stewart came back well in the third and I was pleased to take the fourth.

"My move to New York has reinvigorated my career, which was the main desire for leaving England. They say a change is as good as a rest and that's how it's proving.

"I am fortunate to have hitting partners such as Bradley Ball and Julian Illingworth and I hope to be helping with the Street Squash program in the future."

With Palmer overcoming El Hindi earlier in the day, Walker will now be rivalling the Aussie to become the highest-ranked player living in America.