England’s world No 1 Nick Matthew admitted he had to play some of the best squash of his career to fend off fellow Yorkshireman James Willstrop in yesterday’s much-touted British National Championship final at Eastlands between the top two players in the world.

After taking the first two games and leading in the third, Matthew was unable to prevent Willstrop, the world No 2, recover to reduce the deficit – and, in the fourth, move to within a point of forcing a decider. But after a series of stunning rallies and on his third match ball, Matthew clinched an 11-8, 11-3, 6-11, 14-12 victory after 81 minutes to win a record-equalling fourth title.

“I played the best squash of my career for the first two and a half games but James is one of the most determined opponents I’ve ever played. We may be great rivals but we have a good deal of respect for each other,” said the new champion.

“Losing the title last year was one of the most disappointing things in my career – it means a lot to me to win it for a record-equalling fourth time.”

Lancashire’s Laura Massaro became the first player to successfully defend the women’s title for eight years when she beat Londoner Alison Waters 11-2, 11-9, 8-11, 11-4. Tweet