Matthew draws level with Willstrop in Classic titles

WINNER: Nick Matthew defeated fellow Yorkshireman James Willstrop in the final of the Canary Wharf Classic on Friday night.

The 33-year-old world No 1, from Sheffield, won 11-5, 11-5, 11-5 in just 51 minutes – the shortest final on record – to clinch his fourth triumph at the event.

Willstrop – a four-time winner of the event himself – last beat Matthew in PSA World Tour event back in December 2007, winning the English Open in Sheffield.

But he had no answer to Matthew’s game last night, admitting afterwards, he had been well beaten.

“I feel spent and I’ve tried my best,” said Willstrop. “But Nick is on top form, he’s had a great year and he’s given me a bit of a trouncing.

Matthew added: “I got my tactics right this time but he’ll get his right next time, and it could be his turn.

“I was aware before the game that James had four titles and I had three. So we’d better come back next year to fight for the fifth title and then both hang up our rackets together.”

Matthew’s victory came just six days after Lancashire’s Laura Massaro became the first Englishwoman for 15 years to become squash world squash champion. Matthew won his third World Championship in Manchester in November.

“I said to Laura Massaro she was going to inspire me this week,” added Matthew.

“I’m so proud of her and pleased to be able to win my final here.”