Squash: Willstrop takes Matthew’s top spot

PARIS: James Willstrop defeated Gregory Gaultier in the New Delhi Masters final, held at the Siri Fort Complex, after the ailing Frenchman retired with cramps 1-4 down in the fourth game. As a result of the win, Willstrop will replace English compatriot Nick Matthew as the new world number one in January. Gaultier had won the opener 21-19 before the 28-year-old Willstrop took the next two games, 11-8, 11-4. “It’s a very special day for me,” said Willstrop. “I’m very proud to have won in India, where I won the world junior title. I’d like to thank Greg for the great spirit in which the match was played.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 20^th, 2011.