Matthew crowned ‘simply the best’ for 2013

SHEFFIELD’S Nick Matthew admitted to feeling “humbled” after being crowned the Professional Squash Association’s player of the year.
Nick Matthew poses with his PSA Player of the Year award. Picture courtesy of squashpics.comNick Matthew poses with his PSA Player of the Year award. Picture courtesy of squashpics.com
Nick Matthew poses with his PSA Player of the Year award. Picture courtesy of squashpics.com

The 33-year-old Yorkshireman returned to the top of the world rankings for a third time at the start of the year, one which saw him win the World Squash Championship title for a third time in Manchester, beating Gregory Gaultier in a thrilling five-game final.

Matthew also won his first Hong Kong Open in December to add to runner-up spots at the US Open, Swedish Open, North American Open and Qatar Classic.

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“It’s an amazing honour and a privilege to win the player of the year award,” said Matthew, who was presented with the award at the Canary Wharf Classic yesterday.

Matthew resumes action at the tournament – where he is bidding for a fourth title – tonight when he faces Egypt’s Omar Mosaad in a last eight draw

Fellow Yorkshireman James Willstrop joined Matthew in the quarter-finals – where he will face Daryl Selby – after taking just 35 minutes to record an 11-5, 11-6, 11-4 victory.

Willstrop, also a three-time winner, said: “I’ve started well and hopefully I can keep going and get another title. I’m very happy at this venue and I’ve played well here before. It’s a wonderful venue to play in.

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“There aren’t massive ranking points available here so there’s less pressure and I enjoy that as you’re just able to play and enjoy the experience.

“It’s also a good marker to see where you are at. We’ve got just over a month until the British Open, which is one of the most prestigious events, and then the Commonwealth Games so this event is great preparation for that period so I’ll look to get a lot out of this week.”

Selby survived an epic scare in his first round opener, fighting back from 2-0 down to overturn Jonathan Kemp in a 5-11, 14-16, 11-8, 11-8, 11-6 thriller.