The young Englishman, who has not been able to compete in the event since winning the title 2006 due to an unfortunate run of injuries, dropped just a single game in the whole championships – defeating Joe Lee, Jonathan Kemp and Tom Richards en-route to a eagerly anticipated semi-final meeting with defending champion James Willstrop who he brushed aside 11-8 12-10 11-5 in seventy minutes.
Grant had looked equally impressive in his opening matches, but despite benefiting from the withdrawal of second seed Peter Barker in his semi-final, who had struggled with the onset of illness since the start of the tournament and eventually decided to withdraw on medical advice, struggled to contain Matthew’s pace and devastating accuracy.
“This time last year I’d just taken a sling off my shoulder which makes you think back on what a year its been,” said Matthew after his 38-minute victory to claim his second National title.
“I know Adrian well so I knew I couldn’t expect an easy time. I think perhaps he was slightly nervous going into his first final as we have had some far closer games in the past.
“It sometimes doesn’t help having a day off like he had and my match against James sharpened me up and enabled me to come out fast and not let him settle into the match.
“At 2/0 you have to try not to think about the finishing line, and sure enough the third game was tough. Overall, I think Adrian probably made a few more errors than normal, but I was glad to get him off in three and I’ll take it!
‘I’m sure he will be back competing at next years National’s and I fully expect him to be in the hunt for the title once again,” added the two-time champion.
Issued by iSPORTmedia