British Nationals: Matthew sees off Willstrop

SHEFFIELD'S Nick Matthew demonstrated how determined he is to become world No 1 when he comprehensively defeated Yorkshire rival James Willstrop to clinch his third British National Championships title in Manchester.

After the drama of their two-hour showdown in last September's British Open final – which saw Matthew save match ball before going on to win – last night's 11-5 11-6 11-6 victory in just 49 minutes may have proved an anti-climax for some.

The result saw Matthew extend his winning run over Leeds's Willstrop to nine games since 2007, with the 26-year-old world No 6 quick to pay tribute to the qualities displayed by his England team-mate at the National Squash Centre last night.

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""His physical presence was so strong – he made me play bad squash," said Willstrop, who recently beat three of the top four players in the world on his way to winning the Tournament of Champions in New York.

"His superior physical condition found me out – like it hasn't done for a while.

"Physically, he's probably one of the best specimens in the sport. He's now a tremendous athlete.

"But I'm not disappointed – I couldn't do anything else. The only disappointment is that I have not produced."

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Matthew said he realised he would have to produce one of his best performances to see off Willstrop's challenge and was pleased he was able to deliver.

"That's got to go down as one of my best performances – I didn't make many errors," said Matthew.

"You go on the court prepared for two hours with James. I know how good he is. It's not often you beat him 3-0."

In the women's draw, Harrogate's Jenny Duncalf didn't give up her title without a fight, but eventually had to settle for second-best after England team-mate Alsion Waters secured a 10-12, 11-7, 4-11, 11-7, 12-10 win in 65 gruelling minutes.

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Duncalf, the world No 3, twice led but Waters battled back in both cases to force a fifth game decider.

Again Duncalf moved ahead, leading 6-1 and 9-5 before reaching match ball at 10-9. Waters saved the match ball before eventually converting her own first to win.

"I think that was the best match we've ever played – I kept telling myself to keep down the errors," said the 25-year-old Waters, the world No 5.