Matthew unable to get better of Gaultier

Nick Matthew plays a shot during the British Open final against Gregory Gaultier (Picture courtesy of the PSA).

HE may regularly be the oldest man on the court these days, but Sheffield's Nick Matthew is showing no signs of slowing down just yet.

The 36-year-old from Sheffield was denied a fourth British Open title at the Airco Arena in Hull yesterday.

But such a near miss has just given him a taste for more.

Matthew was a winner in 2006, 2009 and 2012, but a sweet victory in his home county proved elusive for Matthew thanks to another veteran of the men’s game, Gregory Gaultier.

The 34-year-old Frenchman came from a game down to win 8-11 11-7 11-3 11-3 in 67 minutes in the final.

“A year ago I lost in the second round here and my body was just giving in on me,” said world No 4 Matthew.

“I didn’t know how long I was going to be on the Tour for, there was a lot of soul searching. I had to figure out a new way of training, which translated into a new way of preparing and playing.

“My life changed after injury, but I came through it.

“This year, I feel like I’m in there every tournament and I genuinely think I’ve got a few more of these in me. Hopefully, me and Greg are showing everyone that we’re not going away yet. We’re loving that rivalry and long may it continue.”

Gaultier, for whom the win ensures his return to the top of the PSA world rankings, added: “I had a great week and a great feeling on court, I was moving well and to be No 1 as well again at my age is an amazing feeling – it’s pure pleasure.”

In an all-English final in the women’s draw, Laura Massaro repeated her 2013 triumph when seeing off Sarah-Jane Perry 11-8 11-8 6-11 11-6 in just under an hour.