Gawad, Farag, Matthew Advance at Tournament of Champions by Nathan Clarke
photos PSA
January 13, 2016
- Veteran English duo Nick Matthew and James Willstrop will write
another chapter into their long-standing rivalry after coming through
their opening match-ups at the 2017 J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions
- taking place inside New York's Grand Central Terminal - to set up a
tantalising second round encounter.
Winners of the 2012 and 2010 iterations of the iconic PSA World Series
tournament respectively, the 36 and 33-year-old Yorkshire-men have met
34 times previously on the professional circuit and both looked on form
as they dispatched Colombian Miguel Angel Rodriguez and Scotland's Alan
Clyne to start their title-bids in impressive fashion.
"Alan played incredibly well today and in the early stages I struggled
to match him physically and mentally," said Matthew, who came from a
game down to defeat the Scottish number one.
"He really woke me up and shook off any cobwebs from the Christmas
break so I'm happy to come through, but there's plenty to work on for
the next match against James."
Elder statesman Matthew has dominated the head-to-head with Willstrop,
winning their past 19 consecutive matches, including the final of last
December's British Grand Prix. But having watched Willstrop complete an
impressive 3-0 win over former World No.4 Rodriguez he knows he will
have to be on form to keep his streak alive in what is a rare
early-tournament meeting between the duo.
"You have to focus on what you're doing out there but it is great to see James back in form," he added.
"We played in the final of the British Grand Prix before Christmas and
we're used to playing in semis and finals of big tournaments, so to
meet in a second round match will be something new.
"There won't be four of five matches in our legs and we both have a day
off tomorrow, so we will be fresh. He's playing well and he's hungry
for that win, so it's going to be tough."
World Champion Karim Abdel Gawad, the 25-year-old vying for his first
Tournament of Champions crown, also came through his opening encounter
but was made to work hard by compatriot Zahed Mohamed, who also took
him to the brink during last year's Qatar Classic.
Mohamed stunned the in-from Gawad in the opening game as he game from
multiple game balls down to take it against the run of play but Gawad
showed the traits that have seen him rocket up the rankings over the
past six months as he came back to take the match 10-12, 11-8, 11-5,
11-7.
"We've played each other since we were kids and we've always had tough
matches so I knew it wouldn't be easy today," said Gawad.
"I've been working very hard since May to move up the rankings. To be
seeded number two brings a lot of tough mental challenges, and you have
to be very consistent, but these are the things you have to deal with
if you want to be number one."
Gawad will face Australian number one Cameron Pilley in the second after the 34-year-old beat German Raphael Kandra 3-0.
Results - First Round (Bottom Half): 2017 J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions
[1] Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY) v Ryan Cuskelly (AUS) Stephen Coppinger (RSA) v [5] Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY) [7] Omar Mosaad (EGY) v Tarek Momen (EGY) Fares Dessouky (EGY) v [3] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) [4] Nick Matthew (ENG) v James Willstrop (ENG) [Q] Paul Coll (NZL) v [6] Ali Farag (EGY) [8] Simon Rösner (GER) v [Q] Nicolas Mueller (SUI) Cameron Pilley (AUS) v [2] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY)
