Yorkshire maestros set up another final showdown

The world’s top two players came through contrasting semi-finals at the National Squash Centre in Manchester yesterday.

Willstrop, the current world No 1, took almost two hours to progress from an epic tie against France’s Gregory Gaultier, eventually winning 7-11 11-6 11-4 15-17 15-13.

Matthew had a slightly easier ride into tonight’s final (7pm), overcoming fellow Englishman Peter Barker 11-6 11-7 11-3.

Sheffield-born Matthew has the upper-hand over Willstrop, from Leeds, in recent meetings and won the last encounter between the two on the all-glass court in Manchester earlier this year, triumphing 11-8 11-3 8-11 14-12 in the British National Championships.

In fact, Matthew has beaten Willstrop on 13 occasions when the pair have met in PSA World Tour events, with Willstrop’s last victory over his fellow Yorkshireman coming in Matthew’s home town in the English Open in 2007.

After easing his way past an opponent on the way back from a summer injury, Matthew said: “Once I had the first game under my belt I felt more comfortable and was able to relax more.

“You are trying to concentrate on your own game but – at the same time – you can’t help knowing that if you win 3-0 you’ll be fresher for the following day’s final.

“I know Peter has been injured all summer, so he is still getting back into it – so I know he’ll be pleased with making the semi-final.”

After an energy-sapping last-four match with Gaultier, Willstrop said: “When it’s played like that, squash is the hardest sport on earth.

“There was no easy point on that court for either of us. It was a pretty special thing that we were able to play such quality squash for so long.”

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