England’s Parker and Fallows seal World main draw berths

England’s George Parker and Richie Fallows booked their place in the main draw of the AJ Bell PSA World Championships following sensational victories in the men’s qualification finals in Manchester today.

England Academy player, Parker was first to seal a spot in the main draw after overcoming Australian Rex Hendrick 3-1: 11-4, 7-11, 11-9, 12-10 (66m).

The former European under-19 champion from Leicestershire underwent a nervy final game which changed hands on multiple occasions but was able to close the victory under a tie-breaker.

Parker, ranked 82 in the world, fell agonisingly close at this stage in the 2015 World Championships against experienced Farhan Zaman of Pakistan. This time round, the England Academy player was able to use his renewed confidence and the support of the home crowd to guide him to victory.

Commenting on Parker’s performance, National Coach David Campion said, “I’m delighted that George managed to put in a performance to qualify for the first round.

"Rex is a tough player to break down but George persisted and fully deserves his place in the main draw.”

Awaiting Parker in the first round is compatriot and three-time world champion Nick Matthew, who will be gunning for his fourth and final World title.

Meanwhile, Parker’s fellow countryman Richie Fallows also achieved a main draw berth following an equally enduring encounter against Evan Williams.

Fallows, 22 was pushed hard by the New Zealander in a topsy turvy four-setter but the Londoner managed to hold on in the fourth winning 3-1: 11-8, 11-13, 11-6, 12-10 (51m) to earn the chance to play in front of his home crowd.

Making his World Championships debut, Fallows said, “Today I was maybe a little bit nervous and didn't always play how I wanted to, but I thought I dug in well in the key points when it mattered.

“I've always wanted to play on the biggest stage so I'm over the moon!"

David Campion, National Performance Coach said, “Richie was a little tense with so much at stake, however he managed himself well and has now drawn his training partner, Declan James in the main draw!”

Meanwhile, qualification for the women’s tournament - which features equal prize money for the first time and will be held alongside the men’s tournament for only the second time in history - began today with all five English players failing to advance.

Commenting on England’s performance during the men’s and women’s qualification rounds, Campion added, "Overall I'm very happy with the performances in qualifying from our younger players throughout the last two days. The junior girls have shown they're capable at this level and simply need more experience against this type of opposition. It is encouraging to see some of our boys making themselves hard to beat, and I'm delighted that George and Richie managed to convert.”

Round one action gets under way in Manchester from 12 noon on Sunday 10 December - visit the official PSA website to buy tickets or follow the action.