Local hero Chris Ryder led a trio of Englishmen through to the qualifying finals of the ROWE British Grand Prix after despatching fellow countryman Andrew Birks in straight games in the first qualifying round in Wolverhampton. Robbie Temple survived an all-English clash with Ben Ford, recovering from a game down to beat the experienced 36-year-old 7-11, 11-3, 11-7, 11-9 in 58 minutes. The 25-year-old will now face Egyptian sensation Marwan El Shorbagy (pic). The 18-year-old world junior champion, who is coached by British legend Jonah Barrington, produced one of the biggest upsets when he beat Jonah’s higher-ranked son Joey Barrington – a regular training partner – 11-8, 11-3, 11-7. But an earlier major shock resulted in unexpected home interest when Anthony Graham defeated Frenchman Julien Balbo, who is ranked 70 places higher in the world rankings. Qualifying finals line-up: Simon Rosner (GER) v Siddharth Suchde (IND); Mathieu Castagnet (FRA) v Mohammed Abbas (EGY); Chris Ryder (ENG) v Henrik Mustonen (FIN); Mohd Nafiizwan Adnan (MAS) v Nicolas Mueller (SUI); Gregoire Marche (FRA) v Borja Golan (ESP); Marwan El Shorbagy (EGY) v Robbie Temple (ENG); Anthony Graham (ENG) v Stephen Coppinger (RSA); Tarek Momen (EGY) v Alan Clyne (SCO).
