2nd Round Action Underway

All three higher-seeded players have thus far advanced to Thursday's quarterfinal round, led by top-seeded Karim Darwish of Egypt, the current world no. 1, who overcame a determined effort from Frenchman Renan Lavigne, 6-11, 11-3, 11-9, 14-12 in 52 minutes, in the day's opening match at the University of Richmond's Millhiser Gymnasium. 

Joining Darwish in the last 8 are two former World Open champions, #5 David Palmer of Australia, and #3 seed Ramy Ashour of Egypt. Palmer dispatched world no. 36 Saurav Ghosal of India 12-10, 11-6, 11-7 in 54 minutes after receiving treatment for a cut on his knee early in the third game, and the entertaining Ashour came through without the loss of a game against Englishman Joey Barrington in 39 minutes.

Sixth-seeded Thierry Lincou of France is currently on court against a speedy player much in his image, no. 11 Miguel Angel Rodriguez of Colombia. Ashour, who will face the winner of this match, likened both players to lizards in his post-match interview, an analogy meant to be a compliment to both players's incredible foot speed on court.

Stay tuned for more updates throughout the day from Richmond...