Record-Breaking Matthew In Seventh Heaven

Records tumbled today when Yorkshireman Nick Matthew beat England team-mate Daryl Selby in the men's final of the British National Squash Championships at the National Squash Centre in Manchester.

The straight games victory saw the 34-year-old defending champion from Sheffield clinch his seventh title - more than any other man or woman in the 42-year history of the championship and surpassing the six-title record set by Norfolk's Cassie Jackman in 2004.

Furthermore, Matthew set a new record for the most men's titles in a row, four, and the most appearances in a final - beating the seven-finals record shared with fellow Yorkshiremen James Willstrop and Lee Beachill. The former world number one also smashed the record for the number of successive final appearances, today being his seventh in a row since 2009!

Matthew's 11-5, 11-3, 11-2 triumph in 45 minutes brought his unbeaten record in the event to a remarkable 20 matches since 2011, when he lost in the final - to Selby!

"It was a massive goal of mine to break the (title) record," said Matthew. "I've learnt a lot from the names on the trophy both men and women. I watched Cassie train when I was growing up so it means a lot to me to break the record.

"Daryl's never beaten so I had to keep going even at 8-1 up in the final game I had to block out my emotion and stay focused.

"The win has made me feel young again," added the three-time world champion. "I'm always striving to improve and want to thank my team for helping me to keep at the top."