Willstrop sets up Darwish rematch

The 28-year-old world No 3, from Leeds, saw off Gregory Gaultier 11-9, 11-6, 11-3 in Monday’s semi-final in Kuwait City and will now face Egypt’s second seed Karim Darwish – the man he beat in the final of the Hong Kong Open less than two weeks ago.

Darwish beat compatriot Mohamed El Shorbagy 11-4 11-9 5-11 15-13 in a gruelling match that lasted 74 minutes.

Willstrop may have won in straight games against his French opponent – who had defeated him the final of the Qatar Classic last month – but it still took him 58 minutes to secure his place in Tuesday’s final.

“I am on a winning streak and I am just trying to focus on holding it together,” said Willstrop.

“I think it’s all about having a bit of faith. I did come onto the world stage at a young age but there was no way that that was going to be my peak.

“I’m always looking to learn new things and im prove my game.

“I was very confident on court today, I’m hitting the ball well.

“It’s all about keeping that streak going, and that’s not always that easy. Today, I think I managed to frustrate Greg and prevent him from playing his game. I played some accurate squash, and it was a very pleasing performance.”