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 |