Shabana Over Willstrop to Keep the Magic Going and Set TOC Final Date with Gaultier by Nathan Clarke
photos courtesy squashpics.com
January 23, 2014
- Four-time World Squash Champion Amr Shabana and French star Gregory
Gaultier will contest the final of the 2014 J.P Morgan Tournament of
Champions in New York’s Grand Central Terminal on Friday. The duo booked their
final berths with impressive victories over James Willstrop and Mohamed
Elshorbagy, respectively, and will contest a final in which there is
more than a title at stake. Victory against
Elshorbagy saw Gaultier draw level with England’s Nick Matthew atop the
world rankings but victory in the final would see him surpass the
Sheffield-player to become Squash World No.1 outright. “Becoming World No.1 again by winning this match was a big goal for me,” said Gaultier. “Being World No.1 is a
big thing for every player and I’m happy I got through today. Everybody
was talking about it and I just tried to focus on the match and my
tactics - but it gives you a bit of tension and I started the game flat
and he came out on fire. “Today was my turn –
one day it will be his – but I keep pushing to try and beat these young
players. One day he’ll be up there instead of me so I’m going to enjoy
it for a bit but I have another match to play tomorrow. “Shabana has been unbelievable this week - when he playing like this he is probably the best player. “To me he his the most
inspiring guy and technically I think he is the best. When I’ve watched
him this week he has inspired me – but that doesn’t mean I don’t want
to beat him – I want to win tomorrow.” Shabana, who impressed
in a 3-1 win over Willstrop in an enthralling contest, will also be
hoping to end what has been a tough period of time for him with injury
and illness having interrupted his past few seasons and win his first
PSA World Series ranking event since 2011. “I’m really over the moon,” said Shabana after his 11-5, 5-11, 11-5, 11-5 win. “Any time you get a win over a player the calibre of James Willstrop you have to be playing your best. “I’ve made it to the
final and I’m happy but I’m just trying to take it day by and day and
do my best. Playing in a final at Grand Central is an amazing
experience. “The crowd really get behind the players and we love it so win or lose you just try and enjoy the experience.” 2014 J.P Morgan Tournament of Champions – Semi-finals: [7] Amr Shabana (EGY) bt [4] James Willstrop (ENG) 3-1: 11-5, 5-11, 11-5, 11-5 [1] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) bt [3] Mohamed Elshorbagy (EGY) 3-1: 5-11, 11-6, 11-8, 14-12 Order of Play Friday January 24 - Final [7] Amr Shabana (EGY) v [1] Gregory Gaultier (FRA)
