AUDIO: Favourite Matthew aware of potential pitfalls in Manchester

Sheffield's Nick Matthew is top seed at the British National Championships.

The current world No 1 – fresh from winning the Swedish Open for a fourth time at the weekend – begins his bid for a third straight title this afternoon against unfancied qualifier Lyle Fuller.

If all goes according to plan, 33-year-old Matthew can expect to meet long-term fierce rival and fellow Yorkshireman James Willstrop in Sunday’s final.

Willstrop, from Pontefract, who faces Kevin Moran in his first-round match tonight, is twice a winner himself. But he has been beaten by Matthew in the last three finals they have competed in at the event.

While most people will expect a repeat of the last two finals, Matthew is aware of the potential pitfalls.

“There are always younger players waiting in the wings at the Nationals looking to have a pop at the top seeds, so you have to be on your guard from the first moments,” said Matthew.

“I remember when I was in their position that it was always my goal to try and get to the quarter-finals and to get on to the glass court and have a real crack at one of those seeded players. This event is always a unique opportunity for players to do that.”

To listen to Nick Matthew talk about the week ahead at the British National Squash Championships click HERE

Harrogate’s Jenny Duncalf will also be in action at the National Squash Centre this week, beginning her bid for a third title tomorrow afternoon.