Matthew targets return to No 1 after golden moment

In a thrilling duel, Matthew saw off his fierce rival and team-mate 11-6 11-7 11-7 over an energy-sapping 66 minutes on the all-glass showcourt at Delhi's impressive Siri Fort Sports Complex.

With team-mate Peter Barker claiming bronze by defeating Malaysia's sixth seed Mohd Azlan Iskandar, it marked a spectacular 1-2-3 for England.

Further success was sealed in the women's singles when Harrogate's Jenny Duncalf took silver following her final defeat to dominant world No1 Nicol David from Malaysia.

It was Matthew's 13th consecutive win over Leeds's Willstrop stretching back to 2007 and after narrowly missing out on a bronze medal in a play-off four years ago in Melbourne to Pontefract's Lee Beachill, the current world No 2 was delighted to take top prize this time around.

"This is the most important thing in my career so far," said Matthew , who is now targeting a return to the world No 1 status he enjoyed for a three-month spell earlier this year.

"This was a massive goal. Four years ago I came fourth and saw what it was like. It's amazing to get gold – I'll savour it for a long time.

"I remember sitting at home watching Peter Nicol win gold in 1998 – then again in Melbourne four years ago when I came fourth, which was quite hard to take. I've worked such a long time for this."

The 30-year-old, forced to withdraw from the recent British Grand Prix in Manchester due to a fever, was quick to praise his rival, with who he has enjoyed many high-profile battles in recent years, most notably last year's controversial British Open final which Matthew won after more than two hours of relentless squash.

"The match was so tough – after all James is world No 4," said Matthew. "I had to try and forget it was a Commonwealth Games final. I was a little bit lucky as James had played two tough games earlier.

"I was trying to take one shot at a time and not think about the podium but you saw what a scrap it was out there. The scoreline really didn't do the game justice – it was all about very tight margins.

"But I've enjoyed every minute of it. It's fantastic – I'll remember this for the rest of my life. The crowd were right behind both of us today – they were fantastic.

"For me personally it's amazing to get gold, but it's also great for the team to sweep the medals."

As for Willstrop – who endured a marathon battle against Australia's David Palmer in Wednesday's quarter-finals – it marked a second successive runner-up finish, following last month's British Grand Prix reverse to world No 1 Ramy Ashour.

But he was quick to pay tribute to his conqueror and conceded that winning silver was still something of an achievement.

"I'm disappointed with the result,but that was some performance from Nick," said Willstrop.

"He has a fantastic record. He played too well for me – I really had no answer.

"He played out of his skin, although I thought I played pretty well too. He's playing at a standard that's higher than anyone else. He keeps asking more questions of me.

"It might be the best he's ever played against me – so that's a nice thing to take from the match. He's dismantled me the last few times. So while it's disappointing, I've got to keep learning.

"I have no regrets – I have won the silver medal after all."

Duncalf – who will partner Willstrop in the mixed doubles – put up a stern fight in her gold medal showdown against David but succumbed11-3 11-5 11-7.

Victory was always a long shot for the 26-year-old who had won just two of the pair's previous 24 meetings.

"It's a strange feeling – you come into a final hoping to win," she said. "But at the same time, winning a silver medal is one of my highest achievements. To get a silver medal is truly precious.

"I don't think Nicol did a lot wrong – she didn't really give me a look in. She's definitely one to aim for and to try to knock off that top spot. It's a challenge I'm not going to give up on.

"It's tiny things I've got to work on because they can make such a big difference."