Matthew’s in good Nick as he gets ready for new season
By NATHAN CLARKE and ALAN THATCHER
Title-holder Nick Matthew has confirmed that he will return to Manchester in September to participate in the main draw of the AJ Bell British Squash Grand Prix, PSA M70 event as he looks to win the title for the third successive time and fourth overall.
The three-time world champion, who defeated Mathieu Castagnet in last year’s final, had a stunning 2014-15 season as he became the oldest ever PSA World Series title winner at the Windy City Open in March and recently had an OBE bestowed on him by Her Majesty the Queen of England.
After claiming a gold medal in the Commonwealth Games singles, Matthew won the title in Manchester, with the event staged in December last year.
He was runner-up to Mohamed Elshorbagy in the final of the Tournament of Champions and then enjoyed a remarkable spell of success in February and March as he won a record seventh British National Championship, again in Manchester, the Swedish Open, the Windy City Open, turning the tables on Elshorbagy, and a fifth Canary Wharf title.
The World No.2, who was 35 last week, will now be aiming to get this season off to a winning start in front of a partisan crowd.
“I’m looking forward to being back in Manchester this September because the AJ Bell British Squash Grand Prix is a very important event for me,” said Matthew.
“It’s the first tournament of the season and everyone will be looking to build some momentum for the season ahead and I will be looking to continue my record in Manchester, a city which has given me great success over the years.
“Manchester has become a second home and all the players are indebted to Manchester City Council and internationalSPORTgroup for once again hosting a world-class squash event in the city and to my personal sponsors AJ Bell for the support they are continuing to give to our sport.”
The AJ Bell British Squash Grand Prix will be held from Friday 11th to Monday 14th September at the National Squash Centre, Manchester, England.
Ticket details:
Tickets for the AJ Bell British Squash Grand Prix – Manchester 2015 can now be booked online at www.isportstore.com or by telephone on 0844 8797 949. For more information, visit www.isportgroup.com or email: [email protected]