Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Joel Makin’s the man to beat in Nationals, says James Willstrop

Written by 
Published in Squash
Friday, 07 February 2020 09:02

James Willstrop in action against Daryl Selby

‘Joel’s physically strong but I’m the opposite – I’ve  got to rely on my racket’
By DONNA HELMER – Squash Mad Correspondent

England’s James Willstrop is savouring the chance to defend his crown when the AJ Bell British National Championships return to Nottingham next week from 13-16th February.

The former world No.1, who will be appearing in his 22nd consecutive Nationals, will have to overcome some of the best in the business including hot favourite Joel Makin, the World No.11 who he’ i seeded to meet in the final.

Welshman Makin beat the World No.18 from Yorkshire 3-1 in New York last month at the Tournament of Champions which has provided Willstrop with plenty more motivation to retain his national crown.

“Defeats are good because you always examine yourself more closely,” said Willstrop, who, after claiming the title in 2007 and 2008, suffered a decade of hurt, losing six finals to Nick Matthew, before finally clinching his third title last year.

“When you have that doubt, you’re always motivated to right the wrong as they’re upsetting, annoying and distressing. With a win, everything’s in your favour, write-ups and so on, it’s all good.

“I don’t know how things are going to pan out of course but Joel’s very physically strong, those are his strongest qualities, whereas mine are possibly the opposite – I have to use my racket.

“I’m never going to beat him on a club court because he’d run me into the ground, but on a glass court I’ve got possibilities, no question. The form he’s in, he’s got to be the man we’re going to have to get past.”

Englishmen Adrian Waller (World No.20), Declan James (21) and Daryl Selby (25) will provide stern competition for Willstrop and the 25-year-old Makin.

Not to mention teen sensation Sam Todd and the up-and-coming George Parker and Patrick Rooney, who are showing the game to be in rude health.

Joel Makin in action at Canary Wharf last year.    Picture by ARTYOM LISS

“I’ve not got that much to lose now and these guys are going to beat me at some point,” said Willstrop, who hails from the same Pontefract club in Yorkshire as Todd.

“I want to encourage them but I’m trying as hard as I can to stick with them.”

With experience and age has come a new-found appreciation for the sport Willstrop adores. He added: “A love of the game has taken over and it’s a really good position to be in when you’re of an age where you appreciate it.

“At 25, you’re thinking about winning, ranking, breaking records, whatever. You get overrun by that stuff.

“I feel OK and that’s all I can go on. I know I’ve got to train a bit differently. I can’t train like a maniac any more, as I did in my early 20s.”

One potential carrot to keep him playing at the highest level until he’s nearly 40, however, is the prospect of a home 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

“I haven’t really been thinking about it but a year ago I was thinking I’d like to get to the 2021 World Team Championships in New Zealand,” said the 2018 Games gold medallist.

“There has to be another tournament after the World Teams. It’s doubtful whether I’d be good enough in 2022 but I wouldn’t rule it out.”

First round action starts on Thursday February 13 at the University of Nottingham Sports Centre and Nottingham Squash Rackets Club.

Tickets start from as little as £10 and can be purchased at isquashstore.com. Save £5 when booking online.

Pictures by STEVE CUBBINS and ARTYOM LISS  

Posted on February 7, 2020
Read 5899 times

Soccer

Breaking down the Premier League title race, and why Arsenal could edge Man City

Breaking down the Premier League title race, and why Arsenal could edge Man City

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsHollywood might struggle to match what looks like being an edge-of-...

Sources: Giroud finalizing DP deal with LAFC

Sources: Giroud finalizing DP deal with LAFC

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMLS side LAFC is finalizing a deal with AC Milan and France interna...

Purce out for Olympics, NWSL season with ACL

Purce out for Olympics, NWSL season with ACL

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNJ/NY Gotham FC and United States women's national team winger Midg...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

Basketball

MPJ defends brother amid betting investigation

MPJ defends brother amid betting investigation

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsDenver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. said Wednesday night that...

Rockets, with play-in in sight, win 10th straight

Rockets, with play-in in sight, win 10th straight

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsOKLAHOMA CITY -- Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta, front offic...

Baseball

Athletics' Andújar has surgery, could miss month

Athletics' Andújar has surgery, could miss month

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsOAKLAND, Calif. -- Athletics outfielder Miguel Andujar had surgery...

Boone to Soto: Don't defer to Yankees veterans

Boone to Soto: Don't defer to Yankees veterans

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsOn the eve of the New York Yankees' season opener at Minute Maid Pa...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated