Matthew denied glory in Doha as Elshorbagy holds nerve in finale

The 33-year-old Yorkshireman – who won the event back in 2009 – could not quite add to the third world title he secured in Manchester nearly two weeks ago when he went down in a five-game thriller, 11-5 5-11 11-6 6-11 11-4 following 83 minutes of gruelling squash.

It was the first major title win of 22-year-old Elshorbagy’s career, his previous visit to Doha seeing him finish as runner-up in last year’s World Squash Championships. Matthew conceded it was a “great performance” by his opponent, who was equally complimentary in his post-match address.

“He’s just won the world title for the third time at the age of 33 years old,” said Elshorbagy.

“If I can do just half of what he has done, I’d be happy.

“To beat him is such an honour.”

Elshorbagy set a blistering pace to take the opening game 11-5, although Matthew, playing in his third successive PSA Tour final, struck back in the second and was 6-2 ahead in the third before Shorbagy reeled off nine winners in a row.

Again Matthew came back in the fourth and he began stronger in the fifth and final game. But, at 5-4 ahead, Shorbagy held his nerve to take the next six points.