Qualifier Adam Murrills (pic ri) pulled off the only upset on the opening day of men’s main draw action in the British National Championships in Manchester when he beat former champion Simon Parke (pic le) in four games (11-9, 7-11, 11-9, 12-10). Parke, the 38-year-old 1998 champion, was celebrating his 51st match in the championships since making his debut in 1987 – three years before his 20-year-old opponent was born. Murrills, making his debut in the event, will now face top seed and world No1 Nick Matthew. The 30-year-old title-holder bidding to win a record-equalling 4th title, was taken to a tie-break in the first game against Neil Hitchens before easing to a 12-10, 11-4, 11-4 win over his unseeded opponent in 38 minutes. Men’s 2nd round line-up: [1] Nick Matthew v [Q] Adam Murrills; [8] Chris Simpson v [12] Laurence Delasaux; [4] Adrian Grant v [10] Alan Clyne (SCO); [6] Tom Richards v [14] Eddie Charlton; [7] Chris Ryder v [15] Andy Whipp; [3] Daryl Selby v [11] Joe Lee; [5] Jonathan Kemp v [13] Joel Hinds, [2] James Willstrop v [9] Adrian Waller.
