The 31-year-old from Sheffield went into the match against Leeds-based Willstrop boasting a 31-9 career head-to-head advantage, with a winning streak of 18 matches over the past four years.

But 28-year-old Willstrop has hit the best form of his career recently and took over as world number one last month.

Matthew, who regained the world's top ranking this month, eventually prevailed after 81 minutes of intense competition at the National Squash Centre.

After taking the first two games and leading in the third, Matthew was unable to prevent Willstrop recover to reduce the deficit and, in the fourth, move to within a point of forcing a decider.

But after a series of stunning rallies and on his third match ball, Matthew clinched an 11-8, 11-3, 6-11, 14-12 victory after 81 minutes.

"James put up an amazing fight, as always," Matthew told the packed Manchester crowd afterwards.

"People talk about his racket skills, but he's also the most determined player I've played.

"It was just brutal.

"Everyone talks about the rivalry, but there's also a great deal of respect between us."


Matthew reached last year's final, as expected, but lost out to England teammate Daryl Selby (pictured right).

"It was one of the biggest disappointments of my career – losing the title last year," Matthew said.

"Tonight, I feel I played the best squash of my career for the first two and a half games.

"It means a lot to me to win the title for a record-equalling fourth time," added Matthew.

Willstrop, who this week also launched his autobiography "Shot and a Ghost", was not wholly downhearted.

"I was disappointed not to win, but not disappointed in my performance," said the world number two and twice former champion.

"I'm not worried about what happened score-wise, it's more about what's happening in the match and making sure that I'm in it.

"People keep mentioning the run and that's great.

"But the key thing is my squash maintains a high standard and I give it my best."

Laura Massaro (pictured top right) became the first player to successfully defend the women's title for eight years when she beat Londoner Alison Waters 11-2, 11-9, 8-11, 11-4.

Waters, a former world number three, was making a comeback after Achilles surgery and was returning to competitive action for the first time since the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

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