Heartache for Matthew after Ashour extends winning run

Egypt’s Ramy Ashour made it three wins in six weeks over Sheffield-born Matthew, prevailing 1-11, 11-3, 11-7, 11-4 following 67 minutes of intense action.

In what was billed as a ‘dream’ final between the top two players in the world – who between them have shared the No 1 spot in the PSA rankings for the last 19 months – it was Matthew who got off to a flier, brushing Ashour aside to win the first game by 10 points.

Matthew has held the top position since January this year and must have fancied his chances of extended his points lead over his rival, but the 23-year-old hit back in the second, forcing a number of errors from the Yorkshireman to level the match.

As Matthew tried to wrestle control back, Ashour continued to pick his winners and maintained his composure to retain the title he won last year against another Yorkshireman, James Willstrop.

Next up for Matthew – who despite the loss will remain No 1 in the world – is the US Open in Philadelphia at the end of the month, where he vowed to bounce back from his latest setback against the talented Ashour.

“There as a crucial point in the second game where I got frustrated by a few decisions and lost my concentration for a few minutes,” said the 31-year-old.

“Then he came back like a steam train and he was just too good for me in the end.

“The crowd were great and got behind me so much but, every time I pulled it back he would go ahead again.

“It doesn’t feel like I’m world No 1 because he’s beaten me three times in a row now.

“But I’ll go away and come back stronger.”

Ashour – who recently beat Matthew in the World Team Championships and the final of the Australian Open – added: “That was the best game I played all through the tournament.

“I felt I got better and better all week.

“Every time you play Nick you have to be 100 per cent focused – he’s very fast on court. I have to adapt my game against him and keep as solid as I can.

“I may not be one of the oldest guys on the Tour, but I always try and learn something new from each match.”

THERE was further disappointment for Yorkshire squash last night when Harrogate’s Jenny Duncalf was beaten in the final of the Carol Weymuller Open in New York.

The 28-year-old world No 2 lost 3-0 to Egypt’s Raneem El Weleily at Brooklyn’s Heights Casino.