02-Mar:
Hamstring Injury sees defending
champion Matthew withdraw
Six-time Canary Wharf Classic champion Nick Matthew has been
forced to pull out of the 2018 edition of the tournament due to
a hamstring injury.
The 37-year-old, who will retire at the end of this season, is a
crowd favourite at London’s East Wintergarden and was in line to
make his final appearance at the prestigious tournament but will
now miss out on defending his title.
 “It’s
with a heavy heart I’ve decided today to withdraw from the
Canary Wharf Classic," said Matthew.
"It is one of my favourite tournaments on the Tour, the
atmosphere is second to none and I've always had a fantastic
welcome in London, which has led to some memories to cherish on
court.
"However, I felt an old hamstring injury resurface during the
National Championships final and, with Chicago [the Windy City
Open] last week, I haven’t had the necessary time to fully shake
it off.
"With the Commonwealth Games in April fast approaching, I have
been advised by my team to lean on the side of caution and make
sure I’m fully recovered and prepared for the Gold Coast.
"I wish [Tournament Promoter] Tim Garner and all of the players
the best of luck with the event. I know the tournament will
continue to go from strength to strength and I am gutted I can’t
be there this time.”
Matthew’s withdrawal means that Egypt’s Tarek Momen
replaces him as the number four seed and will take on a
qualifier, while Matthew’s compatriot - World No.17 Daryl
Selby - moves up to the number eight seeded position and he
will play Australia’s Cameron Pilley.
Meanwhile, Colombia’s former World No.4 Miguel Angel
Rodriguez moves into the main draw from qualifying and he
will go head-to-head with World Championship runner-up Marwan
ElShorbagy in round one. |
Updated Main and Qualifying Draw |
