Matthew Beats Willstrop in Four to Capture 2014 British Nationals, Waters Takes Women's Title by Steve Cubbins
photos courtesy Steve Cubbins
February 16, 2014
- Alison Waters made the most of her record-equalling eighth appearance
in a Nationals Final as she beat first-time finalist Madeline
Perry 11-3, 11-6, 11-6 in just over half an hour to claim her fourth
National title and a second in a row.
Waters was ahead
throughout and Perry, try as she might, just couldn't close the gaps as
Waters pressed home her advantage, volleying as she loves to do on this
court to keep her opponent under pressure.
Waters was never
likely to lose a lead of 8-1 in the first, and although Perry held it
to 4-all in the next two games, Waters pulled clear in both and never
looked back.
“So pleased, I’ve had plenty of tough battles against Madders in the past so I was ready from the start.
“I just played my game and was confident going into it. I’m so excited to have won a fourth title.
“Big respect to
Madeline, I know how long she’s wanted to get a National final, she’s
37-years-old and if I’m still playing as well as she is at 37 I’ll be
delighted!”
And it's six for Matthew
In a repeat of
the last two finals, Nick Matthew extended his record Nationals title
to six as he came from a game down to neat long-time Yorkshire rival
James Willstrop.
Willstrop, himself a two-time champion, started brilliantly, forging ahead in a long forst game to take the lead 11-5.
Matthew struck back in
the second, but his 6-2 lead was whittled down by Willstrop, who
levelled at 7-all and went 9-7 ahead. Matthew got to game ball first
though, eventually levelling the match 12-10 on his second opportunity.
Many times in
the past Matthew has worn Willstrop down, exerting more and more
control as their matches progress - "I'm about 800-1 down" joked
Willstrop after the semifinals - and in the third and fourth that
pattern emerged again, with Matthew controlling the rallies, Willstrop
having to work hard to stay in them.
Matthew took the
third 11-4 and continued to control the match up to 9-3 in the fourth.
Willstrop started to come back though, got to 9-8 before tinning a
simple dropshot, and Matthew only needed one opportunity to finish off
a tremendous match to bring the 2014 Nationals to a close
“That’s got to
be up there with one of my best ever wins against James. Some of his
backhand drives were ridiculously tight, he was in such great form that
at the moment it’s relief more than delight! Although I’m sure I’ll be
happy in five minutes!
“I won’t be playing
for much longer – you’re a long time retired which is why it means a
lot to me, having all my family here and my support staff. I know I
haven’t got many more times left on this stage so I really do
appreciate everyone’s support."
