LAHORE, March 20: World number one Peter Nicol said Wednesday that he felt comfortable to be in Pakistan and looked forward to winning the $105,000 Pakistan Open squash.

Speaking after a training session in the portable championship court, he said though he had come from chilly weather in London to warm temperatures in Punjab capital, yet he was mentally and physical in top condition.

“It will be hard to play under powerful lights. But I have adjusted myself and the conditions was unlikely to bother me much,” he said.

Nicol reached Lahore Monday and said during the past two days, he had no problems and things seem to be pretty well organised for the prestigious event.

Nicol, who has adopted England as his home, is among the top 20 players competing for the top prize of $15,750.

He said prior to coming to Pakistan, he appeared in three tournaments, winning the US Open and losing the other two.

Regarding competition from the Pakistanis, the 26-year-old Nicol said they were extremely good in their own home conditions and each of them was capable of causing upset.

The title favourite praised the quality of the imported court and said it was best available in market. “The surface has even bounce and the ball comes off the side walls nicely.”

Nicol said the main challenge would come from Australia’s David Palmer, the number two seed, Jonathan Power, the third seed from Canada, Thierry Lincou of France and Ong Beng Hee of Malaysia.

He said Pakistan’s Amjad Khan, the 1998 Pakistan Open winner, who has now been given a wild card entry, could also put a challenge if he played to his true potential.

Nicol agreed that though the sponsorship money had dropped, the fact that at least 12 to 15 events are being played this year around the world was good enough for the top ranking players.—APP