Willstrop facing Gauliter test in Canberra

LEEDS’S James Willstrop admitted to having a “good feeling” after seeing off the challenge of Scottish qualifier Alan Clyne in the second round of the Australian Open in Canberra.

Fourth seed Willstrop will now meet former world No 1 Gregory Gaultier, from France, after defeating Clyne 11-5 11-5 11-2.

Gaultier, seeded fifth, set up Friday’s last eight clash with Willstrop after beating Yorkshire-based Adrian Grant 11-7 11-5 11-8 in just under an hour.

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“He’s (Clyne) the type of player who will get balls back all day long, so for me to get in a position where I win three games comfortably is a great thing for me,” said Willstrop.

“When you finish and it’s three-love in the bag, that’s a good feeling.”

Sheffield’s world No 1, Nick Matthew, will be in the first of Friday’s quarter-finals when he takes on Laurens Jan Anjema, from the Netherlands, at around 9.30am (UK time). Willstrop is scheduled to be on court around two hours later.

In the women’s draw, Harrogate’s Jenny Duncalf negotiated a safe passage through to a quarter-final clash Natalie Grinham after defeating Switzerland’s Gaby Huber 11-5 11-3 11-1 on the glass showcourt.

“I felt really good today,” said world No 2 and second seed Duncalf. “I’ve got lots of experience playing on the the glass court, whereas Gaby doesn’t – that was a big advatnage.”

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