Big guys march into Wimbledon semis
By ALAN THATCHER – Squash Mad Editor
Qualifier Josh Masters has powered his way into the semi-finals of the Squash Squared Wimbledon Open.
The 20-year-old from Kent overcame Australian Matthew Hopkin in straight games to clinch a semi-final clash with Egypt’s Omar Meguid.
Masters, a 6ft 3in student at the University of the West of England who trains in Bristol with world number one Mohamed Elshorbagy and his brother Marwan, will be in good company.
Meguid and top seed James Willstrop are both 6ft 4in tall and fellow semi-finalist Declan James, who beat young England rival George Parker, is also 6ft 3in.
Willstrop beat Joe Lee in straight games while James beat Parker in a massive five-setter.
Meguid dropped the opening game to Surrey’s Charles Sharpes, but hit back to gain control to win in four.
PSA M25 Squash Squared Wimbledon Club Open 2016, The Wimbledon Club, London, England.
Semi-finals:
[1] James Willstrop (ENG) v [3] Declan James (ENG)
[2] Omar Abdel Meguid (EGY) v [Q] Joshua Masters (ENG)
Quarter-finals:
[1] James Willstrop (ENG) bt [6] Joe Lee (ENG) 11-8, 11-5, 11-6 (38m)
[3] Declan James (ENG) bt [Q] George Parker (ENG) 11-6, 5-11, 14-12, 9-11, 11-6
[Q] Joshua Masters (ENG) bt [Q] Matthew Hopkin (AUS) 11-5, 11-7, 11-2 (25m)
[2] Omar Abdel Meguid (EGY) bt [7] Charles Sharpes (ENG) 9-11, 11-6, 11-4, 11-5
Pictures by PATRICK LAUSON (www.patricklausonphotography.co.uk)