2010 World Squash Open: Briton James Willstrop and compatriot Nick Matthew set up all english championship final
Ranked no. 2 in the World, Nick Matthew of Britain got through with defending champion Amr Shabana to mark his fifth straight 3-0 win. Along the side of which, Britain's James Willstrop defeated fellow countryman Peter Barker to end the 90 minute tussle and
advance to the finals. Matthew and Willstrop set up the first ever all English final since the inception of the tournament which was in the year 1976. Furthermore, the professional that clinches the title will be the first ever Englishman to do so.
Aged 30, Amr Shabana of Egypt battled it out against Matthew in the semifinals of the 2010 World Squash Open only to be defeated 11-6, 12-1 and 12-10 in a matter of 59 minutes.
Matthew stated, "There was absolutely nothing in it. I got off to a good start, and when that happens it doesn't matter who you play against, you have a comfort zone. But he is an unbelievable player. He was killing me on the forehand side but I said to him
afterwards, 'You are a legend.'"
Meanwhile, Willstrop found himself in a grueling 87 minute semifinal match against compatriot Peter Barker. Barker was beaten 8-11, 14-12, 11-4 and 11-8 to be sent home. The left handed professional has only defeated James once in 20 encounters since their
junior days in 1993.
"If I had gone two down against such a physical as Pete I would have been in big trouble," stated Willstrop.
The all English final will be the fourth final played between the two this year. Earlier, Matthew, clinched the Swedish and British Nationals against his on-court rival.
The Egyptians have furthermore, been dominating the sport in recent times. The last two championships arranged by the Professional Squash Association have been taken by Egyptian professionals. However, on the contrary, Willstrop and Matthew came out victorious
at the 2010 World Squash Open semifinals to play each other in the finals.
The Englishmen nevertheless, have a rivalry of their own. In addition, considering the fact that both players have limitless potentional, the match could go either way.
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