James Willstrop wins Tournament of Champions
The 26-year-old Englishman defeated world #1 Ramy Ashour with 12-10, 11-5, 9-11, 11-3 in the finals in Grand Central Terminal.
Sixth-seed James Willstrop was a master of precision as he decisively defeated world #1 Ramy Ashour 12-10, 11-5, 9-11,11-3 in the finals of the J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions in Grand Central Terminal. The 26-year-old Englishman had a definitive strategy going into tonight’s match against the 22-year-old Egyptian. “Ramy’s pace and racquet speed are unlike any other player,” said Willstrop. “You’ve got to stop Ramy from having any chances to shoot because even when he has half a chance he can do so much with the ball.” The champion’s strategy was to “withstand and contain” which he did by hitting impossibly tight rails, maintaining a medium pace that blunted his opponent’s preference for power and seizing the first opportunity to shoot the ball in the front of the court.
As the trophy presentation got underway under the majestic chandelier hanging over the glittering glass court in Grand Central Terminal, Willstrop’s father and coach Malcolm watched with evident emotion as his son accepted the coveted Tournament of Champions trophy. The champion seized the moment to recognize all those who had helped him reach this career defining moment. ”I don’t know when I will have the chance again to be standing here with the winner’s microphone so I am going to take advantage of this opportunity,” he said with a smile and, in an Oscar style acceptance speech complete with written notes, went on to thank his entire support team including his father, the coaches and trainers at the England Institute of Sport and his girlfriend Vanessa Atkinson, a top competitor on the WISPA tour. “I have gotten here with lots of hard work and a great support team and this championship would not be possible without them.”
When asked how this championship week stacked up against his other squash playing experiences, the delighted and grateful champion replied, “I would have to say this has been the best week of squash for me ever. I beat three outstanding #1 players in four days and won the Tournament of Champions. It is not the biggest money event, but it is the most exciting and it is the tournament that every player wants to win.”
