HONG KONG, Aug 27: England’s world number one and reigning British Open champion Peter Nicol began his campaign for a third Hong Kong Open title with a 3-0 victory over Egyptian Omar Elborolossy here Tuesday.

Nicol defeated Elborolossy 17-14, 15-11, 15-8 to book a berth in the second round of the 100,000-dollar tournament. He will meet Australian Joseph Kniepp in the second round. Kniepp toppled Welshman David Evans 16-17, 15-13, 15-7, 15-8.

“I need to win this tournament badly. It is very important for my rankings that I win in Hong Kong. A loss could see Jonathon (Power) close the gap on me,” said Nicol.

Nicol is determined to cast off the recent dominance Canada’s world number two Power has over him presently. The Scot-turned-Englishman has lost the last four outings against Power, including the final at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester last month.

“Losing the gold medal was a big blow to me. I hope to avenge that defeat here and also to cement my number one ranking. I have got to start winning again and now would be a good time,” said Nicol.

Power will open his campaign, Wednesday, against England’s Paul Johnson.

Egypt’s world junior champion Karim Darwish claimed the first big name in the tournament when he ousted Scotland’s Martin Heath, the world number nine, 15-9, 15-5, 16-17, 15-11.

In other first-round matches, Australia’s world number five Stewart Boswell defeated English qualifier Nick Taylor 13-15, 15-10, 15-7, 15-8 and will meet Darwish in the next round. Scot John White, the world number six, also made it through to the second round with a 15-12, 15-12, 15-13 win over Canadian Graham Ryding.—AFP