Willstrop appears ready for title tilt

JAMES WILLSTROP is today expected to declare himself fit to play in the opening round of the British Nationals after injury forced him to retire early from the final of the Swedish Open at the weekend.

Seeded third for the tournament at Manchester's National Squash Centre, Willstrop – who should open his bid for glory today against Ireland's John Rooney – had to concede to Yorkshire rival Nick Matthew in Linkoping after suffering a shoulder injury, enabling the 29-year-old from Sheffield, to retain the title he won there last year.

Matthew goes into this week's event as favourite having finished 2009 in exceptional form which propelled him to a career-high ranking of No 2 in the world.

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There is every chance that 26-year-old Willstrop, from Leeds, could meet Matthew in the final after they were placed in separate halves of the draw.

For many, it would be the dream finale, particularly after the two fought out a memorable, often feisty, two-hour epic at the same venue in the final of last year's British Open, which saw Matthew prevail.

"I'm happy with the way things have gone," said Matthew. "I'm pleased with the progress I've made in Sweden, although it was a shame it ended like that with James getting injured. It's never good to win in those sort of circumstances.

"I'm feeling confident but there are a number of good players to watch for, not just James."

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In the women's draw, Harrogate's Jenny Duncalf is, like Matthew, seeded to retain her title in what will be her first serious event of the year.

Duncalf's main threat will be second seed Alison Waters, currently the world No 6, three places behind Duncalf. The pair have held the title between them for three years and met in the final in 2007 and 2009, with Duncalf successful both times.