England Celebrate World Championship Double In Cape Town

England scored a notable double in the 4th World Deaf Championships - winning both the team and the men's individual titles at the Durbanville Squash Club in Cape Town, South Africa.

The England squad got off to a flying start in the Men's Team Championship, beating title-holders Australia 2/1 in the first 'round robin' tie. With later victories over Netherlands and hosts South Africa - both by 3/0 margins - England faced Scotland in the decider.

Jonathan Oster, from Watford, began nervously against Scot Bernie Starkey, but always seemed in control of the match. "Jonathan played superbly for all week - his dedication to his training before the event and his match play during these Championships has been an inspiration to the rest of the team," said Team Manager Mike Harris after Oster's 9-5, 9-4, 9-0 win.

Matt Hewitt was in ruthless form at second string - defeating Leslie Banks 9-0, 9-2, 9-0. Earlier in the week, the 32-year-old from Brighton had withdrawn from the individual event due to an infected blister. But after three days, he was keen to be the player to win the title for England.

"Matt's victory on the first day against Australia was a crucial win and one which effectively won us the team title," explained Harris. "I've known Matt for over 15 years - playing in the same Coral Premier Team in the Sussex League. He's a great guy - I'm so pleased for him."

In the final match Philip Thomas started slowly against David Thompson, losing the first game to the Scot. But the Newbury player then he showed why he was the former World Deaf Champion, dropping only two points as he went on to complete a remarkable trio of victories in an 8-10, 9-0, 9-1, 9-1 scoreline.

"Philip will be the first to tell you he hasn't been on top form this week, but he's played his part for the Team on and off the court," said Harris.

"The guys prepared so well for these Championships and they didn't fail to deliver when it mattered," added the Team Manager. "I'm really proud to part of this World Championship-winning team."

Jamie Mathews became the individual World Deaf Champion when he defeated fellow Englishman and former champion Philip Thomas 9-2, 9-2, 9-3.

The 21-year-old from Epsom in Surrey needed only 28 minutes to defeat his England team-mate. Both players looked tentative in the opening skirmishes, but seven unforced errors by Thomas gifted the first game to a surprised Mathews.

In the second, Mathews began steadily and, sensing his opponent was not on form, waited for him to make the errors. Thomas duly obliged with six further errors, before the second game was over. Thomas became increasingly frustrated in the third, and resigned to his pending fate. Mathews, however, was ruthless, forcing his opponent to all corners of the court then putting away the loose ball.

"The scoreline was a fair reflection of the game and Jamie Mathews is a worthy Champion - congratulations to him," said Harris.

Thomas admitted that he just didn't get into the match: "Too many mistakes - and Jamie being too good on the day. Congratulations Jamie!"

A jubilant Mathews exclaimed: "I'm delighted to be the World Champion - I played well, and Philip didn't. I just did what I had to do. It's been a great week for me and the rest of the England Team.

"We're the World Team Champions - sound good, doesn't it!"