Shabana plots to upset favourite Matthew

The two rivals face each other at Drexel University on Thursday night (12.3am UK time), just two weeks after thy faced each other in the semi-finals of the British Grand Prix in Manchester.

On that occasion, Matthew prevailed to continue his recent dominance of the former world No 1 from Egypt.

But the 32-year-old has been playing some scintillating squash since taking an injury-enforced six-month break from the sport, as witnessed in his semi-final victory over France’s Thierry Lincou on Wednesday night in Pennsylvania, when he took 48 minutes to dispose of his rival 11-1, 9-11, 11-6, 11-7.

And while the challenge of beating Lincou – another former world No 1 - was met, Shabana knows he will have to raise his game to another level to get the better of his Sheffield-born opponent, who earned his place in the final after securing a 12th successive win over fellow Yorkshireman James Willstrop.

“It all worked out right in the end (against Lincou),” said Shabana. “But I need to get myself prepared for Nick again.

“He’s had a wonderful spell over the last two years and is playing great squash. I’ll need to raise my level to really challenge him.”

After taking 86 minutes to defeat a determined Willstrop 11-9, 11-7, 7-11, 11-7, Matthew was quick to praise the skills of his long-time rival from Leeds.

“We haven’t played since last January, so there was no carry-over into this match,” said Matthew. “It was like starting afresh which is probably why it was so tough.

“James is reknowned for his racket skills, but he’s also one of the gutsiest players and fiercest competitors you can ever meet, so there was no question of easing up.

“He came out really well in the third and it was all credit to him for winning it rather than anything I did wrong.

“James’s racket skills are as good as they’ve ever been so I’m delighted to have managed to win that one, and looking forward to what should be a fantastic final.”

THERE was disappointment in the women’s draw for Harrogate’s world No 2 Jenny Duncalf, when she lost out 13/11, 11/5, 13/11 to compatriot and fifth seed Laura Massaro.