New Delhi: World No. 2 James Willstrop of England beat World No. 3 Gregory Gaultier of France after he pulled out due to injury in the final match of the Punj Lloyd PSA Masters 2011 at Siri Fort Sports Complex in New Delhi on Sunday.
Gaultier could not continue the match after three sets due to cramps in both the legs and tear in cortisone muscle.
The French started with a neck-to-neck fight in the first set for 59 minutes which went on to become the longest sets every played in the history of modern squash. Gaultier won the set 21-19 with his high level game and fast moves, along with help of massive support from the crowd.
However, previous year’s runner-up Willstrop proved to be mentally stronger than his opponent and came back fighting in the second set. He continued his natural game with a cool mind and waited his opponent to make errors.
Gaultier, on the other hand, played his best game in the tournament and gave a tough fight to Willstrop. In the second set, Gaultier started suffering from cramps in both the legs but he continued his fight. Nevertheless, due to his unforced errors, he lost the set 8-11.
In the third set, Gaultier’s injury got worse and he took three-minute recovery time. He came back with some pace but that was not enough to win the set. Eventually, he lost the game 4-11.
In the fourth set, the courageous French pulled out from the match as his injury detoriated
England’s James Willstrop won the $ 1,65,000 (Rs 86,66,625) Punj Lloyd PSA Masters 2011 title and bagged $ 24,938 (Rs 13,09,869) prize money. Runner-up Gregory Gaultier received $ 16,388 (Rs 8,60,780).
Punj Lloyd Group chairman Atul Punj, Punj Ameritas chairman S.N. Punj, COO of PSA Lee Beachill, COO of Kwan Entertainment & Marketing Solutions Indranil Das Blah gave away the prizes.
Results: James Willstrop (ENG) beat Gregory Gaultier (FRA) 3-1 (19-21, 11-8, 11-4), 99 mins (withdrawn).