Squash: Marshall lore growing: Richard Eaton reports on a talented British squash player whose experimental style is reaping unexpected dividends

ONLY one Englishman will be in the top 10 when the new world rankings are issued next week; only one is likely to be in the sport's first world grand prix finals at the end of the year; and only one has the immediate chance to get on terms with the Australians queuing up behind Jansher Khan at the top of the pile.

It is, of course, the man they said could never make it. Peter Marshall, still predominantly using the unique double-handed style he was advised to change, and still limited in his range of strokes in the front part of the court, is currently the only effective torch-bearer for the world's oldest, second largest and most frustrated squash nation.

Twenty years is a long time to wait for another British No 1. Marshall has a chasm to cross before he can conquer Jansher, but he has already reached three semi-finals in only two seasons on the circuit, and this week produced a career-best win over Rodney Martin, the man who was World Open champion until a month ago.

Marshall is only 21, with a disciplined, patient and well-organised game and a pleasant, modest nature. Yet there are contradictions. This is also the guy who can leave his house with doors ajar and lights ablaze so that the police are called to investigate. He is also a player with an increasing spark of contentiousness in his make-up. He argues with referees more than he once did and even got a code of conduct warning in the World Open in Johannesburg for throwing his racket.

That happened during an historic, emotion-charged contest against Jahangir Khan. Marshall lost the first two games in a fierce battle, took the next two quickly, then saw the British Open record- holder quit through injury and apparently announce his retirement, later rescinded. Marshall thus became the first British player in 11 years to beat the legend.

He proved in the process that he is stronger, quicker and more resilient than ever before. It is these physical and mental qualities which are the basis of his success. However, a well-developed flexibility with one and two hands on the forehand gives him a better reach when retrieving. Improvements on his drop have given him just enough options to raise doubts in most opponents' minds as to which of the four corners he will take them to next.

There is more work to be done here and also on his volleying from shoulder height and above. And there is the increasing importance of diligent and lengthy preparation - his height (tall for a squash player), his stooping style, a tendency to become involved in long, drawn-out rallies, all increase the risk of injury.

But Marshall is a grafter and a learner. There is nothing flash about him, and there has been perhaps a tendency to underestimate him. Martin looked every inch the best stroke-maker on the circuit for the first two games of their match on Saturday. But by the end there was a worn-down, fed-up and slightly surprised look about the Australian. Nobody will be too surprised about anything Marshall achieves any more.

(Photograph omitted)