WORLD SQUASH NEWS

RESULTS: Bank Alfalah Pakistan Open Squash Championship, Islamabad, Pakistan

Semi-finals:
[10] Anthony Ricketts (AUS) bt [5] Jonathon Power (CAN) 11-9, 11-10 (3-1), 7-11, 1-11, 11-7 (79m)
[8] James Willstrop (ENG) bt [2] Nick Matthew (ENG) 11-4, 11-5, 11-5 (30m)

Willstrop & Ricketts In Pakistan Final

The Islamabad crowd was treated to dramatic upsets in both of today's (Thursday) semi-finals of the Bank Alfalah Pakistan Open Squash Championship at the Mushaf Squash Complex when England's James Willstrop toppled second-seeded compatriot Nick Matthew in straight games and Australia's Anthony Ricketts pulled off his career-first win over fifth seed Jonathon Power, the defending champion from Canada.

When they last met on the PSA Tour, in the Swedish Open in February, Nick Matthew beat fellow Yorkshireman James Willstrop.  But the tall, 6' 4", former world junior champion from Pontefract, the eighth seed, was in sparkling form today as he defeated Matthew 11-4 11-5 11-5 in 30 minutes to reach his first PSA Super Series final.

"It feels wonderful when everything comes together," Willstrop told Framboise Gommendy of www.squashsite.co.uk.  "But the thing is, for me, it's not a great win, it's just 'I need to do that again tomorrow', because I think I've got a chance to win this tournament.  So, I'm just going to call home, and then that will be the last I speak with anyone until tomorrow."

Ricketts put behind him three losses to Power since October to triumph over the greatest North American player of all-time 11-9 11-10 7-11 1-11 11-7 in 79 minutes.

The 25-year-old from Sydney, who was out of action for the first half of the year following knee surgery, is rapidly regaining the form which took him to a career-high world No6 just over a year ago.

Ricketts has never played Willstrop before.  The Islamabad crowd is sure to witness a classic debut encounter as both players seek a maiden Pakistan Open title.