James Willstrop rolls back the years against Mohamed ElShorbagy at Canary Wharf Squash Classic in London
March 12 2023
James Willstrop rolled-back the years yesterday evening with a spellbinding performance against Mohamed ElShorbagy in front of a packed house at the GillenMarkets Canary Wharf Squash Classic in London.
ElShorbagy, who came into the all-English affair knowing a win could send him back to the top of the PSA World Rankings, started strongly, but his 39-year-old rival matched him shot-for-shot & saved a game ball before Mohamed eventually claimed the game 12-10.
The second game mirrored the first with Mohamed earning match balls, but to the delight of the crowd Willstrop was able to extend the match by winning the tie-break 14-12.
Willstrop started the third game with purpose, & showing his trademark accuracy looked like he could cause a major upset before ElShorbagy eventually regrouped to close-out a hard-fought 49-minute 12-10 12-14 11-8 victory.
PSA GillenMarkets Canary Wharf Squash Classic
2nd Round:
[5] Mohamed ElShorbagy (ENG) bt [WC] James Willstrop (ENG) 12-10, 12-14, 11-8 (49m)
James Willstrop will play Mohamed ElShorbagy on an all-English clash this evening at the GillenMarkets Canary Wharf Squash Classic in London.
The final match of the evening will be a treat for the home fans as Mohamed ElShorbagy will be looking for a convincing performance against this year’s wildcard in his quest to return to World No.1 which will happen should he win the tournament & Mostafa Asal fails to reach the final.
James Willstrop will play Mohamed ElShorbagy in the 2nd round of the GillenMarkets Canary Wharf Squash Classic after Gregoire Marche of France was forced to retire from their eagerly anticipated match on the opening day of the championships at the at the spectacular East Wintergarden venue in London.
The Canary Wharf Squash Classic is celebrating its 20th year & James Willstrop is the tournament wildcard for the event – a fitting tribute to England’s squash legend as he won the very first Canary Wharf Squash Classic with victory in the final over Thierry Lincou of France.
The Tournament Wildcard, making his 19th appearance at the event, took on France’s Gregoire Marche in the first round which unfortunately for the capacity crowd at East Wintergarden was cut short after the the Frenchman was forced to retire after confirming after the match that he was feeling unwell.
James Willstrop won the opening game 11-1 & raced to a 3-0 lead before Marche retired from the contest. The 39-year-old Englishman will now take on compatriot Mohamed ElShorbagy.
“I've just spoken to Greg & he’s had a problem for a few weeks with some issues at the Black Ball Open in Cairo,” confirmed Willstrop after the match.
“It’s awful to come to a tournament like this, which is a priority & a great event & you want to be able to perform in front of a crowd. But, you know, I just feel sorry for him & clearly it not a good way to play a match & win it.
“Funny, isn’t it? I mean, just great, isn’t it? I mean I just get sort of grateful at this point in my career to be able to soak stuff like this up. I think I’m in a position where I have the perspective that I do that now. So it gives me more energy to just enjoy the spectacle.”
PSA GillenMarkets Canary Wharf Squash Classic
1st Round:
[WC] James Willstrop (ENG) bt Gregoire Marche (FRA) 2-0: 11-1, 3-0 retired (7m)
James Willstrop to face Gregoire Marche in 1st round of the GillenMarkets Canary Wharf Squash Classic
James Willstrop will today face Gregoire Marche of France in the 1st round of the GillenMarkets Canary Wharf Squash Classic.
The Canary Wharf Squash Classic is celebrating its 20th year & James Willstrop is the tournament wildcard for the event – a fitting tribute to England’s squash legend as he won the very first Canary Wharf Squash Classic with victory in the final over Thierry Lincou of France.