Victory over Ashour, who was crowned World Champion last October in Manchester, was Matthew’s biggest success since making his come back late last year from a serious shoulder injury. The 28 year-old overcame his Egyptian rival with a stunning 3-1 semi-final victory in just 61 minutes, having defeated compatriot Willstrop in four games in the quarter-finals.
The wins sent Matthew through to the first major World Tour final of the year and his progress through to his second Tournament of Champions final will have given the Englishman a timely confidence booster as he looks to regain his National title.
Since winning the National crown three year’s ago Matthew has not been able to compete in the event due to an unfortunate run of injuries, but is now relishing the chance to head to Manchester and can be guaranteed to make a tough-minded challenge for the men’s title.
Matthew said, “I’m delighted to have reached the final of such a prestigious event as the Tournament of Champions and to have played such good squash throughout the championships. There was a time after the surgery that my shoulder was so weak that I wondered if I’d even get back on a squash court.
“I’ve worked extremely hard to get my fitness back and I'm pleased with the progress that I have made as well as my form. It’s a great achievement to have reached the final and a real confidence booster to do it against such a high class field and beat players like Ramy and James.
“The Nationals is one of my favourite tournaments and it’s been incredibly frustrating having to sit it out for the last few years, but I now can’t wait to get to Manchester. We’ve got a great group of players in Britain at the moment so it’s going to be very tough trying to win back the title and I will give it my best shot.”
Matthew has been seeded four, faces a potential quarter-final clash against three-time former champion Lee Beachill. No.1 seed James Willstrop is also in Matthew’s half of the draw and could potentially meet the 2006 champion in the semi-finals.
The pinnacle of the domestic season, the British National Squash Championships ‘09 will start at noon on Sunday 8th February running through to Sunday 15th February.
Tickets for the British National Squash Championships ’09 can be booked online at www.isportgroup.com/ticketing, by telephone on 0844 870 0000, or for further information email info@isportgroup.com.
Issued by iSPORTgroup.com