Sydney, Sep 20 (IANS) Australian squash star David Palmer Monday said his recent fighting performance against world No.1 Ramy Ashour in the British Open has encouraged him to do well in the Oct 3-14 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.

Egyptian Ashour, who regained the No.1 ranking last month, had to fight hard to deny Palmer a win in a thrilling semi-final encounter.

"It has given me encouragement. I have not been able to play a match like that for the last four or five months," Palmer was quoted as saying by the Sydney Morning Herald.

"The Commonwealth Games is very important to me and it looks as if I'm back in form. It is better late than never."

"So I can go back home and be happy now," Palmer said.

Palmer, ranked 12 in the world, is aiming for his first gold medal in the Commonwealth Games.

And his greatest challenge at the Games is likely to come from Englishmen Nick Matthew and James Willstrop, ranked two and six in the world.

The host nation India also boasts of quality players like Saurav Ghoshal (world number 26) in the men's event. The Indians are likely to pose hurdles for players from England and Australia.

Palmer is aware of the competition he is going to face in Delhi

"It is going to be very tough there. James looks like he is in great form," Palmer said.