Matthew Celebrates Historic Dunlop British Open Success

Yorkshireman Nick Matthew upset Frenchman Thierry Lincou in tonight's nail-biting men's final of the Dunlop British Open at the University of Nottingham to become the first home-grown champion of the world's most prestigious event for 67 years.

While both finalists were seeking their maiden men's title, Malaysia's Nicol David beat Australia's two-times champion Rachael Grinham in the other main final to successfully defend her women's title.

Matthew, the 26-year-old sixth seed from Sheffield, came into the final knowing that his opponent had endured a marathon semi-final encounter less than 24 hours earlier - in which he had had to save five match balls before surviving against David Palmer, the world champion from Australia.

But the Englishman, loudly supported by a packed crowd swollen by supporters from both his home club Hallamshire and adopted Derbyshire club Duffield, also knew that he had only once before beaten the former world champion from Marseille in 11 meetings over the past five years.

Lincou twice levelled the match after the local hero forged game leads. And in the decider, the third-seeded Frenchman moved 4-0 ahead.

But Matthew bravely stuck to his task and clinched eight points in a row to move within three of the title. Long and tense rallies ensued before Matthew flung his racket in the air in jubilation to claim his sensational 11-8, 5-11, 11-4, 9-11, 11-6 victory after 82 minutes.

"The enormity of it hasn't sunk in yet - but most of my thoughts at this moment are for the people who have helped me get here, including my clubs (Hallamshire and Duffield), my family, and the England Squash team including coaches and physios," said an emotional Matthew afterwards.

When asked about his opponent, Matthew said: "The respect that the whole world has for Thierry is incredible. He's very proud and very strong - not just in his fitness, but in his mind. What an effort by him tonight!

"How he dug out that performance was remarkable. Only Peter Nicol was capable of that - and now he's taken over the mantle.

"I rang Peter last night and asked him a couple of things. He's been a real mentor to all of us," explained the first home-grown champion since Jim Dear won the title in 1939.

"I learned a lot about myself after losing (to Wael El Hindi) in Cairo a few weeks ago - and worked hard with my coaches when I got back. You can learn more from defeat than from a win.

"This has to be the pinnacle of my achievements," added the 2006 British Open champion.

Lincou was remarkably upbeat following his exhausting battle: "I tried not to think about all the energy I used up last night - I tried to stay focussed. It was very close, but I was just a bit flat at the end.

"But it's been a fantastic week with three good wins, including the world champion (David Palmer), Greg (Gregory Gaultier) and Lee Beachill.

"It would have been the icing on the cake to win tonight - but I am really pleased with the squash I produced," added the runner-up.

Nicol David extended her unbeaten record since the Commonwealth Games in March when she beat Australia's two-times champion Rachael Grinham in an hour-long women's final. The match took 41 minutes, but top seed Nicol was ahead from the outset before clinching her 9-4, 9-1, 9-4 win over the third-seeded Australian.

"She's just so dangerous and keeps changing her game - I had to really fight my way through," said David of her opponent after winning her fourth WISPA World Tour title in a row.

The world number acknowledged the great help Australia's record five-times British Open champion Sarah Fitz-Gerald - who today won the British Open Over-35 title for the second time - had been to her in an eve-of-event training session in Manchester last week.

"Just being on court with Sarah is so inspiring," said the 23-year-old from Penang. "She works the ball so well, no-one plays the way she does. She was a fantastic help - I can't think of a better way of preparing for an event like this.

"Winning the British Open again is another important step up for me," added David.

Grinham was not unduly unhappy with her performance: "I feel I could have been a little faster tonight, but I'm happy with the way I played.

"But Nicol is looking better than I've ever seen her before - she was clearly really up for this tournament.

"In fact, I hope she's peaked for this - I don't want to see her like this next time!" added the 29-year-old Queenslander.

Men's final:
[6] Nick Matthew (ENG) bt [3] Thierry Lincou (FRA) 11-8, 5-11, 11-4, 9-11, 11-6 (82m)

Women's final:
[1] Nicol David (MAS) bt [3] Rachael Grinham (AUS) 9-4, 9-1, 9-4 (41m)