DOHA, Nov 28: The 2003 Qatar Squash Classic begins at Khalifa Squash Complex on Sunday, with both the men’s and women’s finals taking place on Friday Dec 5.

Peter Nicol, World No1 from England, is seeded to retain men’s title he won in 2001 and 2002 - in both cases overcoming Australia’s David Palmer in the finals.

Palmer, reigning World Open and British Open champion who is seeded three, is drawn to meet Nicol in this year’s semifinals - but if he were to reach Doha climax, he would celebrate his 30th appearance in a PSA Tour final.

Palmer, however, has a tough projected quarterfinal clash with Canada’s fifth seed Jonathon Power, a popular figure on all-glass Doha showcourt where he has won both a Qatar International title in 1997 and World Open trophy in 1998.

Power, winner of Canadian Classic and runner-up in Canadian Open this month, faces England’s Nick Matthew in the first round.

Nicol, who will be eager to put behind him his shock first round dismissal in Canadian Classic, faces Australia’s world No18 Paul Price in the first round, while Palmer takes on a qualifier.

John White, a semifinalist in previous two Qatar Classics, is second seed and also meets a qualifier in opening round. His scheduled semifinal opponent is fourth-seeded Frenchman Thierry Lincou, most consistent player on PSA Tour with semifinal appearances (at least) in all seven events in which he has competed this year.

New Zealand’s World No1 Carol Owens is seeded to take women’s title, repeating her success six months ago in Qatar when she lifted WISPA World Grand Prix Finals title. —PPI