Rösner Bids For Hat-Trick Of English Scalps In Matthew Canary Wharf Climax Clash

Simon Rösner gate-crashed the party again to book a place in the final of the Canary Wharf Classic at East Wintergarden in London.

After beating England No.3 James Willstrop in straight games in the quarter-finals, the German outfought home number two Peter Barker in a brutal semi-final, and now meets England number one Nick Matthew in the biggest match of his career.

Rösner was a comfortable winner against Willstrop, who was suffering from the effects of a flu virus, let alone the fatigue brought on by five months out of action recovering after a hip operation.

In the semi, there was not a moment of comfort in a tense, physical battle with Londoner Barker.

There were frequent collisions in mid-court and Rösner clearly blamed his opponent for incidents that resulted in 38 refereeing decisions.

Rösner, the highest ranked German squash player of all time, booked his place in the final courtesy of a steely come-from-behind 3-11, 12-10, 11-5, 12-10 victory against the event's second seed.

The win was his first ever against world No.8 Barker, coming just 24-hours after he claimed his first ever tour win over Willstrop, the former world No.1 from Pontefract. A win over Matthew in the final would be his first ever over the three-time world champion from Sheffield.

"Beating James for the first time in my career yesterday, and beating Peter for the first time in my PSA career today, at the same tournament, is something special for me for sure and I can't wait to play another Englishman tomorrow," said Rösner, now in his 14th PSA World Tour final.

"I'm just really relieved and so happy to be in the final in front of such a great crowd and in such a great venue.

"It was a little bit scrappy at times tonight but taking the win is the main thing and I'm just going to try and relax now and come back refreshed tomorrow.

"As for the physical issues, I wasn't happy with a lot of it. There is no need for that stuff on court. You can play hard, but you always need to play fair."

Defending champion Matthew moved into the final for a fifth time in six years with a commanding straight games win over compatriot Daryl Selby.

The 34-year-old, who is on course to complete a hat-trick of PSA World Tour event triumphs after claiming both the Swedish Open and Windy City Open over the past two months, showed his class as he withstood a spirited fight from the talented 32-year-old from Essex to squeeze a straight games 12-10, 11-6, 11-9 win in 55 minutes.

But the pragmatic former world number one says he isn't getting carried away ahead of what promises to be a tough encounter against in-form German world No.9 Rösner.

"I'm not really thinking about what's gone on so far this year because you have to start each match and each tournament from scratch," said Matthew on the eve of his 66th Tour final.

"You can take confidence from what's happened before, but you can't rely on it, and you have to earn the right to win and I'm going to have to improve again tomorrow and continue to take it one day at a time.

"Although I've had a lot of success here I've also had my fair share of disappointment as well so I'm not taking anything for granted.

"Two years ago I was at one of the lowest points of my career here and my racket ended up in the Thames after one match. Those moments can really remind you to keep your perspective and helps me appreciate my squash when I'm playing well and enjoying it."