Nick Matthew Claims Record Sixth Canary Wharf Classic Crown by Nathan Clarke
photos PSA
March 10, 2017
- England's Nick Matthew proved age is no barrier to success as he
felled Egypt's 22-year-old Fares Dessouky, 14-years his junior, 3-1 to
win the 2017 Canary Wharf Classic and lift the trophy for a record
sixth time inside London's East Wintergarden.
On the banks of the river Thames Matthew completed the victory courtesy
of an 11-9, 11-7, 10-12, 11-8 scoreline that sees him collect the 35th
title of his PSA World Tour career - with Dessouky, World No.11, the
only man this week to even take a game from the 36-year-old World No.4.
The Egyptian had come through a mammoth 124 minute semi-final with
Spaniard Borja Golan to reach the title-decider and Matthew took
advantage of weary legs to open up an early first game lead. The
Sheffield-based man continued to dominate and double his advantage but
Dessouky rose to the challenge, putting together a purple patch to take
the third game against the run of play. But ultimately he couldn't do
enough to stop the Matthew charge.
"He had a long, hard match last night and it's so hard mentally to
recover from a match like that, but he showed just how tough is his the
way he came back in that third game," said Matthew.
"I know what it's like to back up a tough semi-final, it's so hard, so
it's credit to him for the way he pushed me. I never really felt
settled on there, I was never that far in front of him so it was a bit
of a concentration battle - but I'm happy to come through and get the
win and I'm very proud of the achievement.
"For me it's also just such a pleasure to play here - I truly missed
this tournament last year. The Friday Night crowd at Canary Wharf is
the best on Tour," added Matthew, who donated all of his prize winnings
to Sumner Malik, a promising 10-year-old squash player who has been
diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma – a rare form of brain
tumour.
"I know the the Malik family and they live and breathe squash. We're
fortunate to do what we do for a living and we take it for granted at
times. I don't want any thanks or personal gain for doing it - it's
about raising awareness for him and it's the least that I can do. I'm a
parent myself and hopefully he can have a great life ahead of him and
I'm glad that I've been able to give them a good fund."
After the match Dessouky said: "I had a great week and played my best
ever squash here. The crowd were supporting me from first the first day
and getting to the final was very pleasing. Maybe next time I can win
the title - I feel like I am pretty close."
Result - Final: 2017 Canary Wharf Classic
[1] Nick Matthew (ENG) bt [4] Fares Dessouky (EGY) 3-1: 11-9, 11-7, 10-12, 11-8 (70m)
