Reigning champion David Palmer begins his defence of the British Open Squash Championships when he plays rising English star Tom Richards in Manchester tomorrow.

The 33-year-old Palmer claimed his fourth British Open crown last year when he downed England’s James Willstrop, making him the most successful player of the modern era. 

Ranked six in the world, Palmer has now been in the top ten for an incredible 109 months, earning him the nickname of ‘The Marine’ because of his remarkable fitness and endurance.

He faces a formidable challenge to claim a fifth title, with the world numbers one, two, three and five also in the field. 

If Palmer wins his opener against Richards, he would likely face Egyptian Wael El Hindi in the second round and fellow Egyptian, world number three Amr Shabana in the quarters.

Top seed for the tournament is Egypt’s Karim Darwish, with Frenchman Grégory Gaultier at two.