Kiwi squash ace Paul Coll has begun the defence of his British Open crown with an easy straight-games win over Englishman Nathan Lake.
After a first round bye, Coll, 29, needed just 33 minutes to dispense of his rival 11-3 11-4 11-3 to book a meeting with Frenchman Gregoire Marche at the next stage.
"I used all my varieties, all my defences, so I was very happy with that," says Coll. "Me and Nathan played an exhibition on Friday, and then we found out that we could be playing tonight.
"We are pretty familiar with each other’s games, but yeah, happy with that!"
Last year's British Open success has helped propel Coll to the world No.1 ranking, but he tumbled to an opening loss against Frenchman Victor Crouin at the Canary Wharf Classic this month.
The Commonwealth Games silver medallist needs to finish ahead of Egyptian rival and tournament top seed Ali Farag to retain his top ranking beyond this event.
"Life is just a lot better being No.1," he says. "It is just nice, there’s nothing more to say about that!
"I am just loving life! They just have to beat me.
"I am feeling good, I am constantly trying to evolve my game. I am just focusing on my myself.
"I will keep an eye on them, keep analysing what they do, but I will just keep evolving my game."
