September 06, 2006	Wednesday	Sha'aban 12, 1427

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CAIRO, Sept 5: Former world squash champion David Palmer credited his baby daughter for inspiring him to a 9-11, 11-3, 11-6, 11-7 quarter-final win over fellow Australian Anthony Ricketts at the World Open on Monday.

The 30-year-old produced his best form in two years to overcome fifth seed and 2005 British Open champion Ricketts.

Palmer looked significantly fitter than when he finished runner-up in the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne in March and believes his 11-week old daughter has played a big part in helping him reach the semis.

“I have a new baby daughter and I talk to her every day. I look at her on the webcam every day and that gives me inspiration,” he said.

“I feel that I only have a couple of years left in me and I feel I really want to take any chances when I get them.

Palmer looked controlled and well balanced under pressure during the numerous long rallies.

“I was pretty solid and I was pleased, especially as sometimes when trying to finish matches I have had a few demons in my head,” Palmer said after defeating his friend.

Palmer earned a semi-final with another former world champion Thierry Lincou, who sent Peter Nicol into retirement on Sunday.

Lincou's compatriot Gregory Gaultier's 11-10, 11-9, 11-2 victory over local favourite Ramy Ashour ensured there would be two Frenchman in the last four of the World Open for the first time.

Gaultier, who will next face defending champion Amr Shabana, was brilliant with his court coverage and changes of pace with sudden low kills.

Ashour saved five game points in a row from 4-10 down in the second game and had the crowd roaring but the fightback was not enough to stop Gaultier from pulling off a memorable win.

“He was on fire and had nothing to lose and the crowd gave him a boost, so it was twice harder for me,” said Gaultier.

“But I stayed pretty relaxed. I just concentrated on playing against Ramy and nothing else, and I controlled the game pretty well.

“I have become pretty strong mentally. I have been working hard since the beginning of the year to do this, and I believe in myself much more.”

Monday’s results:

Quarter-finals: 8-Gregory Gaultier (France) beat Ramy Ashour (Egypt) 11-10, 11-9, 11-2; 2-David Palmer (Australia) beat 5-Anthony Ricketts (Australia) 9-11, 11-3, 11-6, 11 -7.—Reuters