James Willstrop overcomes an inspired Rory Stewart to reach Commonwealth Games semi-finals

August 01 2022

#beinspired … tonight we witnessed a truly magnificent match in which James Willstrop of England needed all of his experience, fighting qualities & unbelievable racket skills to overcome a truly inspired performance from Scotland’s Rory Stewart.

We are so proud to have these two incredible players part of #teamunsquashable … well played Rory Stewart & congratulations James Willstrop.

Defending Men’s Singles Gold Medallist James Willstrop rolled back the years to overcome fellow #teamunsquashable player Rory Stewart of Scotland 11-5 9-11 7-11 11-6 11-8 in a thrilling 72-minute quarter-final at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Rory Stewart, ranked No.65 in the latest PSA World Rankings, beat Patrick Rooney of England yesterday, & James Willstrop looked composed as he took the first game 11-5.

Rory Stewart however, fought back to establish a 2-1 lead after winning the second & third games 11-9 & 11-7 respectively.

James Willstrop then responded to the match into a deciding game by winning the fourth game 11-6.

At 7-3 down in the fifth game, James Willstrop looked as if his title defence was over, however the 38-year-old found the inspiration & raised his game to another level & the former World No.1 found space behind the Scot to reach his fourth successive Commonwealth Games semi-final with an 11-8 victory.