Matthew dominates to clinch Sweden title

Retaining his title was the ideal way for Matthew to warm up for the British National Championships which get underway in Manchester tomorrow.

Matthew had been kept on court for more than an hour in his semi-final against Germany’s Simon Rosner – twice as long as Gaultier was against Stephen Coppinger, who had beaten Pontefract’s James Willstrop in Friday’s quarter-finals.

But tiredness was clearly not an issue for the 34-year-old Matthew, who saw off the world No 2 11-9, 11-8, 11-7 after 63 minutes.

“I felt like I played well today and I always seem to play really well here in Sweden,” said Matthew.

“I’ve won here five times now and I’ve been in the final seven times. It’s a great venue and the people here are knowledgable and really appreciate what we do so when you’re in this surrounding you always play at your best.

“Greg played so well in the early rounds but he maybe needed a closer match earlier in the tournament because I could tell he wasn’t at his best physical condition today whereas I had a few close 12-10 games, so that maybe helped me.”

Hallamshire moved eight points clear of Dunnington in the race for the Allam Marine Yorkshire Premier Squash League title.

Although they have played a game more than the York club, Hallamshire have now won their last two matches – 17-4 at home to bottom side Pontefract seconds and 18-7 at Hull and East Riding this week.

Dunnington beat fifth-placed Barnsley 16-10.

Third-placed Queens suffered their third loss in five matches, losing 17-9 at lowly Heaton.