Squash: Parke postpones comeback

Squash

England's Simon Parke, who has just completed a course of chemotherapy for testicular cancer, has delayed his return to international competition.

The Nottingham-based 23-year-old has decided the next two major tournaments, the Equitable Life finals of the Hi-Tec PSA Super Series in Hatfield followed by the Leekes British Open in Cardiff in the next four weeks, have come too soon.

"I had hoped to get straight back into action," the England No 2 said. "I have kept up my practice since surgery for the removal of a tumour in January and a course of chemotherapy since.

"But the chemo destroys white blood cells as well as cancer cells, which leaves the body a bit out of balance.

"I was convinced I could get back for the Super Series play-offs and I always wanted to play the British Open. Over the weekend, though, I came to the conclusion the important thing is to get myself back to full fitness."

Oxford's Mark Cairns, the England No 5, is the next highest points scorer on the Hi-Tec PSA Super Series circuit, and he now joins the world champion, Jansher Khan of Pakistan, Rodney Eyles and Brett Martin of Australia, Peter Nicol of Scotland and England's Del Harris, Chris Walker and Mark Chaloner, in the Equitable Life finals at Hatfield's Galleria Outlet Centre.