04-May-04:
Power replaces Ricketts

Australia's world number 10 Anthony Ricketts, seeded number five for the Brit Insurance Super Series Finals, has announced his withdrawal from the event.

Ricketts has been out of action for several months, and although almost repaired he will not be ready in time for next week's finals.

"Although it feels 99 per cent better now than it has in the past four months, I have decided - after talking to the doctor - to be patient and wait for the next tournament, the English Open, which isn't until August," said the Sydney 25-year-old.

"It's disappointing to miss the Super Series Finals but I wouldn't have done myself justice against such a high quality field."

It has been a frustrating few months for the British Open semi-finalist who was ranked sixth in the world at the end of last year.

"I have been based in Canberra at the Institute of Sport for the past two months and have seen a few different doctors it's really been a nightmare not knowing quite what was wrong with the knee," he said.

Ricketts' withdrawal leaves the door open for defending champion Jonathon Power, who was ninth on the final Super Series ranking list, level with Nick Matthew.

Power pulled up injured in the Canadian Nationals at the end of last week, but today confirmed that he will be fit and ready to defend his title at the Broadgate Arena next week.

As Ricketts is outside the top four seeds, Power comes in as a straight swap in the Harrow group, taking Ricketts' match times against John White (Mon), Nick Matthew (Tue), and Peter Nicol on Wednesday in a repeat of last year's thrilling final which the Canadian won 15-14 in the fifth.
  

DRAW & SCHEDULE


Ricketts in the 2003 Finals


Power's back to defend

2003 FINAL
15-14 in the fifth to Power