THE FINAL: MIGHTY MATTHEW RETAINS HIS TITLE

BY ALAN THATCHER

World champion Nick Matthew retained his ISS Canary Wharf Classic title last night by overcoming a fierce challenge from No.4 seed Peter Barker.

Matthew, the 30-year-old world No.1 from Sheffield, fought back after losing the opening game to win 5-11, 11-4, 11-1, 11-3.

Both players were forced into some gut-wrenching retrievals to keep in play some spectacular attacking shots from each other.

Barker, buoyed by his first-ever career victory over No.2 seed James Willstrop the previous evening, started in positive fashion.

He looked focused and disciplined as he constructed tight rallies that presented serious problems for the top seed.

Londoner Barker took the opening game 11-5 and his home supporters in the sell-out crowd at the East Wintergarden were hoping for another shock victory.

However, Matthew responded in devastating fashion, demonstrating exactly why he has been the dominant player in world squash for the past year.

He powered ahead in the second game, and, as the challenge from Barker faded, he took complete control to clinch victory in 58 minutes of entertaining squash.

Barker, despite doing most of the chasing, refused to give up and launched himself into some massive diagonal runs as Matthew powered winners into the four corners of the court.

Matthew said: “Peter started very well and it took me a while to get into the match and start moving properly. But I was pleased with the way I played and I hope the crowd enjoyed the match, despite me beating the home favourite.

“This is one of the best tournaments in the world and all of the players love coming to Canary Wharf. Next year is a big year for sport in London and I hope it’s not too late for the IOC to change their mind about having squash in the Olympics.”

Matthew was impressed by the success of the Video Replay trial organised by the PSA that enabled players to direct an appeal a TV judge, who was able to study replays of any controversial incident before making a decision that flashed up on the huge screen above the front wall of the glass court.

He said: “I think it worked well. There were one or two tweaks by the end of the week and allowing one appeal per game, plus one in the tiebreak, was the right number.

“It cut out the arguments between players and referees and helped the crowd to get involved in the whole process.”

Runner-up Barker said: “I started well but Nick showed what a great player he is by the way he came back. Overall I have to be happy with the whole week and I need to start reaching more finals like this.”

Before the match, Welsh international Jethro Binns entertained the sell-out crowd with some amazing trick shots while balancing on a giant Swiss medicine ball.

He also won £100 in a special Lightning Round featuring Robbie Temple, former England junior Paul Taylor and former world No.2 Peter Marshall.

Follow Alan's Squash Blog at http://www.squashuk.com/ 

FRIDAY: ALAN'S FINAL DAY BLOG

THE FINAL: NICK MATTHEW v PETER BARKER

Matthew v Barker. No.1 seed v No.4 seed. Two England team-mates, one a world champion at the top of the world rankings, and an opponent who will be trying to follow last night's first career win over James Willstrop with another massive upset tonight.

Stay tuned....

First game to Barker 11-5.

Crowd are going mad. But Matthew fights back in the second to win it11-4. One game all after 40 minutes. Game on.

Solid, intelligent, constructive squash from both players.

Barker began superbly to dominate the first game but Matthew showed just why he is world number one to turn the tables in the second.

Matthew leads 3-0 in the third. The big question is: Can Barker respond?

Not in this game, he can't. Matthew moves to 8-1 and is turning the screw. Barker is under enormous pressure and making mistakes.

Matthew cruises home 11-1. He's looking like a champion. Barker is doing the chasing and beginning to look ragged.

Matthew maintains his line, length, pressure and precision to power through the fourth. Some amazing retrievals by both players, but there is only going to be one winner.

The world No.1 wins the fourth 11-3 to maintain his grip on the title.

A great week of squash and a superb display from the world champion, retaining his title in style. 

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Morning everybody. We have a fun-filled programme leading up to this evening's final between world champion Nick Matthew and No.4 seed Peter Barker.

Barker will be full of confidence after gaining his first PSA Tour victory against James Willstrop last night and it promises to be a superb match in our first all-English Canary Wharf final.

6.15pm

Lightning Squash Tournament

Semi-finals: Best of 5 points, ie. first to 3!

Final: Best of 1 point!

Winner: £100

Players:

Peter Marshall – Ex-World No.2 Ernst Young

Paul Taylor – Ex-England Junior International now with Barclays Capital

Jethro Binns –  Ex-Welsh International now with SquashSkills.com

Robbie Temple – WR 50 Qualified at 2011 ISS Canary Wharf Squash Classic (lost to Peter Barker in the first round)

6.40pm

Unofficial World Record attempt by Jethro Binns of SquashSkills.com to hit figure of eights while standing on a Swiss Ball!!

See www.squashskills.com

7.00pm

Drinks break.

7.30pm

Grand Final followed by presentation

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Sad news from Egypt

Sad news from Egypt following the death of former top ten player Magdi Saad.

Sara El Noamany writes on Facebook:

I’m in total denial of Captain Magdi Saad’s death. Although I asked many people wishing they would refute it, they all confirmed it. However, I still don’t want to believe it.

That is because he was a phenomenal person inside out. Unfortunately, he didn’t take the position or spotlight he deserved to take in this world because of his modesty, kindness and seriousness. Therefore, I pray he takes it in heaven which is way more crucial for him.

There is a popular quote which says, “ When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. “ Captain Magdy, since you were such a lovable person, I want to tell you that if love could have saved you, you would have guaranteed to live forever.

Before going on court to beat Laurens Jan Anjema to reach the final in Montreal last night, Hisham Ashour responded: “Great words for a great guy, Well said, Sara.”

(From Alan's Blog on www.squashuk.com)

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LIGHTNING ROUND: JETHRO TAKES THE MONEY

Semi-finals:
Jethro Binns beat Paul Taylor
Peter Marshall beat Robbie Temple
Final:
Binns beat Marshall

Binns wins the £100 cash prize!

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Jethro stays on court to establish a world record for hittinbg figure of eights while standing on a medicine ball. He achieves an amazing total of 28.
Great entertainment, incredible skill, and we look forward top see what Jethro can come up with for next year!
See more of Jethro's crazy stunts, including one of him playing squash on a unicycle, on http://www.squashskills.com/

FANCY A FLUTTER ON THE FINAL?

Thanks to David Hood from Red Ridge Communications for the news that the Bet365, Sporting Life and Racing Post websites are carrying odds on tonight's final.


If you fancy a flutter, please take a look at the odds below.

UNDERDOG BARKER SEEKS ANOTHER UPSET IN ISS CANARY WHARF CLASSIC FINAL

World No.7 Peter Barker finally broke his long losing run against England team-mate James Willstrop (who was backed at 1/10) to reach his first final of the ISS Canary Wharf Classic against World Champion Nick Matthew.

Barker broke his duck in front of a full-house at the spectacular East Wintergarden venue. The 27-year-old local boy had lost to No.2 seed Willstrop on every occasion they had played throughout their junior and professional careers, so achieving a maiden victory in front of his home crowd tasted even sweeter. "I had a game plan tonight, but I have had a game plan against James since the age of ten and I'm very pleased that it finally paid off, 17 years later.”

Barker was apologetic after breaking his racket after a momentous first game tiebreak. "That was a mixture of adrenalin and stupidity," he said. "I felt I should have won that first game and I had to quickly refocus for the second.” Which he did and powered through 11-1 as Willstrop, a three-time Canary Wharf champion, began to look jaded.  The 6ft 4in Yorkshireman responded positively to lead 7-5 in the third game, but Barker hit back to win six points in a row to win it 11-7.

Top seed and World No.1 Nick Matthew received a virtual walk-over into the final when his opponent, Frenchman Gregory Gaultier quit through illness with the score at one game each. Gaultier was taken to hospital for a check-up after retiring against Matthew complaining of a virus and feeling faint at courtside between games. After being treated by a doctor and paramedics, he was taken to hospital for checks.

The final is streamed live at 19.30 tonight on PSASquashTV.com and most major bookmakers Watch and Bet services. Barker beat Matthew in the Hong Kong Cathay Pacific Open in 2010, but Bet365 make the World No. 1a red hot 1/10 chance (Barker, 11/2) to lift his second consecutive ISS Canary Wharf Classic this evening. Just don’t tell Barker as the underdog will be buoyed from the semi-final victory and the value may well lay in the total points market. With the prospect of a four or even five game match, Over 60.5 points looks a distinct possibility.

BET 365 Final Betting: 

1/10 Nick Matthew vs Peter Barker 11/2

Handicap Betting – Games

Peter Barker (+1.5 games)   5/2

Nick Matthew (-1.5 games) 1/4

Peter Barker (+2.5 games)   Evens

Nick Matthew (-2.5 games)  18/25

Total Points

under 60.5          17/20,

over 60.5             17/20

BARKER'S JOY FOLLOWED BY GAULTIER'S MISERY

Semi-finals:

(4) Peter Barker (Eng) bt (2) James Willstrop (Eng)  14-16, 11-1, 11-7, 11-8 (77m) 

(1) Nick Matthew (Eng) bt (3) Gregory Gaultier (Fra) 8-11, 11-5 retired (31m)

BARKER BREAKS HIS DUCK AGAINST WILLSTROP
TO REACH ISS CANARY WHARF CLASSIC FINAL

World No.7 Peter Barker finally broke his long losing run against England team-mate James Willstrop to reach the final of the ISS Canary Wharf Classic against world champion Nick Matthew.

Top seed Matthew received a walk-over into the final when his opponent Gregory Gaultier quit through illness with the score at one game each.

Matthew admitted he felt deflated at winning in such an unfortunate fashion, but No.4 seed Barker was delighted to break his duck in front of a full-house crowd at the spectacular East Wintergarden venue.

The 27-year-old Londoner had lost to No.2 seed Willstrop on every occasion they had played throughout their junior and professional careers, so achieving a maiden victory in front of his home crowd tasted even sweeter.

Barker said: "I had a game plan tonight, but I have had a game plan against James since the age of ten and I'm very pleased that it finally paid off, 17 years later."

As his mother cried tears of joy in the front row, Barker showed his respect for his opponent by saying: "I have played James for years, ever since our junior days, and never beaten him, so tonight is very special, especially as it's here in London, and at such a wonderful venue with a sell-out crowd every night.



"James is not only a great squash player but a great guy and I knew it would require a massive effort to beat him."

Barker revealed that he will now have to cancel plans to travel to France with his fiancee to celebrate his future mother-in-law's 60th birthday.He added: "It's a shame to miss out on a lovely trip to Paris but I hope my girlfriend appreciates the fact that I have to go back to work tomorrow."



Barker was apologetic after breaking his racket on his leg after a momentous tiebreak at the end of the first game. "That was a mixture of adrenalin and stupidity," he said.

"I felt I should have won that first game and I had to quickly refocus for the second.”

Barker came out for the second with all guns blazing, and powered through 11-1 as Willstrop, a three-time Canary Wharf champion, began to look jaded.

The 6ft 4in Yorkshireman responded positively to lead 7-5 in the third game, but Barker hit back to win six points in a row to win it 11-7.

From 3-3 in the fourth game, Barker pushed ahead to 8-5. Again Willstrop fought back to level at 8-8, but the effort took its toll and Barker reeled off the final three points, with Willstrop conceding defeat with a weak shot down the middle of the court to concede a penalty point.

No.3 seed Gaultier was taken to hospital for a check-up after retiring against Matthew with a mystery virus.

Astonishingly, he had begun the match in superb style, moving ahead from 5-5 to win the opening game 11-5.

However, at 4-4 in the second game he seemed to be in obvious distress as Matthew took control and picked up a string of points in quick succession to win it 11-5.

Gaultier complained of feeling faint at courtside between games and, after being treated by a doctor and paramedics, he was taken to hospital for checks.

Matthew said: “Nobody likes to win a match like that. Apparently Greg was up all night feeling unwell so I find it amazing that he started the match playing such great squash. He made me look very average at times.

“At the moment I can’t begin to think about the final because my thoughts are with Greg. I just hope he’s OK.”

The unlucky Gaultier had only recently returned to the PSA World Tour after suffering a hamstring injury in the World Open in Saudi Arabia in December.

Follow Alan's Squash Blog at http://www.squashuk.com/ 

ALAN'S BLOG: THURSDAY

6.30pm: (2) James Willstrop v (4) Peter Barker

Followed by

(1) Nick Matthew v (3) Gregory Gaultier

Welcome to semi-finals night at Canary Wharf.

It promises to be another special evening, with the four top seeds in action and a sell-out crowd at the East Wintergarden venue.

Greetings to squash viewers all over the world who are tuning in to SquashTV.

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First of all we want to say a big thank you to musician Bazz Fazey, from Peterborough, who has composed the soundtrack for the Canary Wharf tournament. Superb stuff, Bazz. Many thanks for sharing your genius.

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First match under way and Willstrop takes the opening game 16-14. Some huge rallies, amazing winners and full use of the Video review system.

Barker was furious with himself for wasting game ball and broke his racket on his leg as he left the court.

He starts the second game with a flap of skin hanging down just below his left knee. That's going to hurt tomorrow, Pete!

Barker powers through the second game as Willstrop suddenly looks tired. His movement is extremely sluggish and Barker wins it 11-1.

Willstrop returns to the attack with some purpose in the third game and leads 7-5 before Barker constructs a run of six consecutive points to win 11-7.

The fourth game is tight before Barker advances from 4-3 to 8-5. Willstrop responds to draw level at 8-8 before the ascendancy returns to Barker, who wins the next two points before Willstrop hits a shot down the middle of the court and catches the ball in an act of acceptance that this is not to be his year at Canary Wharf.

A delighted Barker enjoys the moment as he celebrates his first ever victory over Willstrop following years of defeats in both junior and professional circles.

As his mum cries tears of joy in the front row, Barker shows his respect for his opponent by saying: "I have played James for years, ever since our junior days, and never beaten him, so tonight is very special, especially as it's here in London, and at such a wonderful venue with a full-house crowd every night.

"James is not only a great squash player but a great person and I knew it would require a massive effort to beat him."

Barker revealed that he will now have to cancel plans to travel to Paris with his fiancee to celebrate his future mother-in-law's 60th birthday.

He added: "It's a shame to miss out on a lovely trip to Paris but I hope my girlfriend appreciates the fact that I have to go back to work tomorrow."

Barker apologised for breaking his racket on his leg after a momentous tiebreak at the end of the first game. "That was a mixture of adrenalin and stupidity," he said.

"I felt I should have won that first game and I had to quickly refocus for the second. I had a game plan, but I have had a game plan against James since the age of ten and I'm very pleased that it finally paid off, 17 years later."

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Sadly, Gregory Gaultioer was forced to concede his match through illness with the score at one game all. Full report to follow.

NICK MATTHEW: The pain game and mind games

By ALAN THATCHER

Daryl Selby dived full-length into the back right corner, chasing down a shot from Nick Matthew as the world champion advanced towards victory in the quarter-finals of the ISS Canary Wharf Squash Classic.

It was a perfect length from Matthew and a spectacular dive from Selby, more in desperation than hope, as he collided with the side wall and ended up with his legs in the air trying to stop his head from hitting the back wall.

Nick Matthew does that to people. Last year, his epic semi-final battle with James Willstrop ended with his 6ft 4in Yorkshire rival crumpled in a heap in the back left corner as he dived in vain to stop a winning shot that took Matthew to match ball after two hours and seven miutes of brutal combat.