DOHA: In his first major title success for more than two years, France’s Gregory Gaultier stormed to victory over England’s higher-ranked James Willstrop in the final of the 2011 Qatar Classic to pick up the trophy for the first time in the sixth PSA World Series squash event of the year at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex here.
Both playing in their second Qatar Classic final had been in impressive form in the run up to the final, and delivered a quality match to the packed audience in the glass court arena.
After pulling clear from seven-all in a tight first game to go 1/0 ahead, Gaultier was on top early in the second, establishing a 6-2 lead which, despite the fourth-seeded Englishman’s efforts, Willstrop couldn’t close down as Gaultier doubled his advantage.
The third game was all Willstrop, and after the Englishman had pulled clear Gaultier let the last few points go, clearly preparing himself for the fourth.
And it was Willstrop again who made the stronger start, leading 4-1 and 7-4. But, with the crowd noisily on his side, Gaultier fought back to draw level at eight-all.
After numerous lets in the closing stages, it was Gaultier who eventually took the final three points to claim his first World Series title since winning the PSA World Series Finals crown for the second time in a row in March 2009. The win marks the 19th PSA Tour title of Gaultier’s career.
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