WORLD SQUASH NEWS

RESULTS: Prince English Open Squash Championship, Sheffield, Yorkshire

Final:
[3] John White (SCO) bt [4] Jonathon Power (CAN) 15-11, 7-15, 15-13, 15-11 (83m)

White Too Hot For Power In English Open Final

Scotland's world No3 John White secured his second successive PSA Tour title in impressive style at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, Yorkshire, when he beat Canada's world No4 Jonathon Power in four games in the final of the inaugural Prince English Open Squash Championship.

After two exhilarating four-game semi-finals on the all-glass court in the intimate setting famed for its World Snooker Championships' battles, the packed Crucible crowd were anticipating a stunning climax - and were not disappointed.

After a poor start, the hard-hitting White quickly rediscovered the form he has shown all week and took the opening game.  Power, however, who has been delighting the Sheffield audience with his unique racket skills, raced away to take the second and led 11-7 in the third.

The Nottingham-based Australian-born Scot clawed his way back to take the game 15-13 and the lead 2/1.

"I basically blew it there," said Power afterwards.  "I was well in control, and if I'd taken the third I would have won from that position."

White maintained his focus, however, and soon had match-ball at 14-11.  A controversial 'no let' decision to an appeal by Power gave White the title after 83 minutes in a 15-11 7-15 15-13 15-11 scoreline.

"It's a pity it had to end on a no let," said the new champion.  "But it's great to win the first squash event here.  It's difficult playing Jonathon.  He never lets you get into a rhythm.  I kept telling myself to be patient and I think I kept my head better than he did, which probably helped me win," added the 30-year-old.

A dejected Power said:  "I've lost a few games, but it was an ugly match overall, not very fluid.  I think the ref cost me countless points, there were some terrible decisions at the end of the third.  I didn't lose my head, I refocused well after every decision, but the points cost me."

The victory marked White's seventh title on the PSA Tour and his fourth successive win over Power in a ranking event since last losing to the Canadian in April 2001.  Winner of the PSA Masters title in Qatar in May, White will now set his sights on the US Open title in September, when again he is the third seed.

Official website:  www.englishopensquash.com