Lobban overthrows Taylor for a spot in the second round at the PSA World Championships

Donna Lobban had to claw her way back from a game behind to beat Lily Taylor (ENG) and secure a spot in the second round of the PSA World Championships in Chicago, USA.

The only Australian representative in the draw lost the first game 9-11 before taking the following three games 11-6, 11-4, 11-6 in 28 minutes.

“I’m so happy to be back playing and happy to win, I’ll take any win,” said Lobban.

“I think it took me a little bit to get the feel of the court, but also Lily came out firing and moving really well. When you haven’t played someone for a long time, I’ve only played her once before, and it can take a little while to get used to what shots she played. I wasn’t reading her in the beginning and I think I got used to it the more the match went on and started picking up more balls.

“She’s definitely a tricky opponent and she’s probably improved a lot since the last time I played her, so I’m really happy to get through that one.

“I missed El Gouna because I was recovering from a meniscus problem in my knee, and it’s been a reasonably long recovery to get back to playing. I have no pain now and I’m feeling really good, but when you haven’t played a tournament for a while you forget what nerves feel like and how to deal with them in a match.

“I felt like I struggled with that at the start of the match, but as the match went on I got the feel of it, I got better and I got over the nerves a little bit as I got into it.”

The #20 seed Lobban will now face French Camille Serme, #3 in the draw. The match is scheduled for Saturday morning 2.30am AEST.

The live feed of the World Championships available on the official Facebook page of the PSA World Tour and on Squash TV for subscribers.