Willstrop’s win sees Matthew hand over top ranking

While his confirmation as the new world No 1 won’t be made official until January 1, the 28-year-old from Leeds knows his latest triumph – coming on the back of wins at the Hong Kong Open and the Kuwait Cup – is enough to take him above fellow Yorkshireman Nick Matthew, who has been the PSA World Tour’s leading player all year.

The 19-21, 11-8, 11-4, 4-1 victory over France’s world No 3 Gregory Gaultier caps a remarkable end to 2011 for Willstrop who, until November, had gone without a tournament win since January 2010.

He has now won three in the space of a month.

Gaultier – the last player to beat Willstrop, in the World Open semi-final in October – was eventually forced to retire injured in the fourth game after a gruelling 99 minutes.

Willstrop went into the match on the back of a 14-game unbeaten run but, after a remarkable opening game which saw Gaultier eventually triumph 21-19, it was clear he was going to need all his skill and experience to extend that record.

The third seed quickly drew level and then took the third game before Gaultier took a break for treatment.

He returned shortly after but was clearly suffering from cramp and, after a few points, the Frenchman conceded the match.

“It’s a very special day for me,“ said Willstrop, coached by his dad Malcolm at Pontefract Squash Club.

“I can’t really believe I’ve played and won this match – and I’d like to thank Greg for the great spirit in which it was played,” said Willstrop.

“It’s special to have achieved this here with so many close people here, including my girlfriend Vanessa (Atkinson), a fantastic and loyal friend; my dad, Malcolm, who’s given me an incredible amount of attention since the start; and my brother David, the endless sessions and work we’ve put in together; and Mick (Todd).

“To have had them here has made such a difference,” he added.

“If I’d done it here alone on this day - and Greg talked about not having his team with him here, but I’ve been lucky as we planned this – it’s just the most special thing.

“ It wouldn’t mean half as much if I hadn’t had these people behind me.”