Willstrop and pilley to meet in canary wharf squash final

By Simon Hayes on March 14, 2008 1:59 PM |

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It's a clash of the titans after two of the tallest players in world squash won through to the final of the ISS Canary Wharf Classic.

Defending champion James Willstrop, who is 6' 5", will meet Australian Cameron Pilley, a mere 6' 2", in tonight's final at the East Wintergarden.

Willstrop beat his Pontefract and England team-mate Lee Beachill 11-8, 8-11, 11-5, 11-9 last night, though the world number four was made to battle hard for his win as Beachill’s trademark precision play contained his opponent’s attacking flair.

Willstrop edged home in the first game but Beachill, a former world number one, imposed himself in the second to draw level. However, Willstrop at last began to play with a flourish in the third and a capacity crowd at the stylish East Wintergarden venue was treated to a superb contest as Beachill tried his hardest to stem the flow of winners.

Willstrop survived a concerted fightback from the 30-year-old Beachill to complete victory in 58 minutes, bringing the crowd to their feet with a dazzling winner at the conclusion of a marathon final rally.

Willstrop has reached the final of all six tournaments he has entered this year, winning four of them so far. Few will bet against him adding to that tally tomorrow.

Pilley ended hopes of an all-English final when he beat England’s giant-killer Alister Walker 11-1, 11-10 (2-0)11-5.

World number 32 Walker had beaten two Frenchmen on his way to the semi-finals, including a shock victory over top seed Gregory Gaultier.

But he found Pilley in dominant form. The Australian powered through the first game 11-1 and led 10-5 in the second before the dreadlocked Walker clawed his way back to force a tiebreak.

However, Walker was unable to maintain the momentum and Pilley claimed the next two points to lead two games to love.

Walker started brightly in the third but soon began to tire as Pilley quickly advanced to an 8-4 lead. Walker’s exhaustion and frustration showed as he hit two volleys into the floor.

Pilley maintained his discipline and continued to strike the ball with power and accuracy to claim his place in the final against Willstrop.

With Pilley’s height eclipsed by the 6ft 5in Willstrop, there certainly won’t be much room on court.

For more information log onto www.canarywharfsquash.com.

Simon.hayes@wharf.co.uk