Willstrop eases through in Rotterdam

The world No 4 and fourth seed for the Rotterdam event took just 33 minutes to dispatch the qualifier, ranked 58 in the world.

Willstrop, 28, will now meet Canada’s Shahier Razik in today’s second round.

Following his first round victory, Willstrop said: “He (Max Lee) is a good solid player, he’s got a good game and technique, good drop shots.

“He puts the ball in the right places, but today, my approach of play prevented him from playing his shots freely.”

World No 1 Nick Matthew is in action earlier on Tuesday hoping to avoid another early exit at the hands of Egypt’s Tarek Momen.

The 31-year-old, from Sheffield, was knocked out in the second round of the recent Qatar Classic by the world No 25 and is determined to make a successful defence of the title he won against Willstrop last year.

Matthew negotiated safe passage through his first round opener on Sunday, defeating qualifier Stephane Galifi, from Italy, 11-8 11-1 11-3 in 35 minutes.

“I’m pleased that we’ve got a good support here - my coach and physio are both here, and my parents are on their way here too,” said Matthew. “There’s no reason why we can’t do well. I’ve been here a few days and feel pretty good.”

Harrogate’s world No 2 Jenny Duncalf opens her campaign today in the women’s draw against Denmark’s Line Hansen, the world No 24.

“It’s the biggest event going and I would be thrilled to win it,” said Duncalf.“But my first aim is to at least reach the final.”