Willstrop held the early advantage thanks to a succession of front wall and counter drop winners. However, there were clear signs that Ashour, 24, was on his game. Four times Willstrop sent the Egyptian court sprinting to all corners in what must rank as his finest set of retrievals from the back wall. Ashour won each of those points. The Yorkshireman was unable to control the rallies, Ashour's speed proving the catalyst. It made for a fine spectacle. The pair's conduct was exceptional, too: not one remonstration to the referee, whose only blemish was not calling the score quick enough such was Ashour's march towards the next rally. Meanwhile Matthew, the double world champion, blew compatriot Peter Barker away in straight games with a dominant ... Continue reading →