London showdown for Yorkshire rivals

Nick Matthew and James Willstrop will face each other in Friday's final of the Canary Wharf Classic. Picture courtesy of Steve Cubbins/squashsite.com

Sheffield’s world No 1 Matthew will be aiming to land his fourth triumph at the event, while trying to stop Pontefract’s Willstrop from lifting the crown for a fifth time.

As expected, 33-year-old Matthew comfortably defeated Colmbia’s Miguel Angel Rodriguez 11-4, 11-2, 11-9 in 38 minutes, while Willstrop was kept on court in his semi-final for just over 10 minutes longer by fellow Englishman Peter Barker before prevailing 12-10, 11-2, 11-7.

“Playing James will be tough,” admitted Matthew after his win. “He’s incredibly strong in this event as well so the final is going to be a hell of a match.

“But I feel really good after today’s match.”

Willstrop added: “Nick and I are both relatively fresh going into the final, so if we both show up then I think we’ll put on a good show.”