PESHAWAR, Feb 22: Pakistan’s Arshad Iqbal Burky was off to a flying start when he defeated Willy Clark of USA 11-6,11-14, 11-5 in his opening qualifying match of the US$100,000 Davenport & Company North American Open, which got under way at an all-glass McWil exhibition court at the University of Richmond.

Arshad, No 98 faces a stiff challenge in the event which carries a draw of 32 of the world’s best squash players, including the top nine in the world rankings.

He will now face Johnson of Australia on Monday in the final qualifying for the main round. The main round of the event will be commencing on Monday.

—APP