It was a year that would surely go down as the best year in his memory lane with three wins on trot. James Willstrop, who won the Honk Kong Cup, Kuwait Cup and more recently the PSA Masters in India, would make him the number one ranked squash player.
In an interview with Shraddha Bagdwal of Indian Sports News, James talks about his season and much more. Excerpts:
ISN: Congrats for winning three majors in a row. Did you expect to go into the festive season on such a high note?
James: Thanks a lot. It feels great to have won a title which missed last year. Actually I never thought of winning three titles in a row, but then now that I have done, it gives me immense pleasure and satisfaction. It is a lifetime achievement and by the virtue of this win, I would also become number 1 ranked squash player.
ISN: Did you have any predetermined strategy before taking on any opponent?
James: No I don’t think so. Honestly speaking, I do not think much before going into any match. I just go out there and play my game.
ISN: So tell us about the PSA Masters final match against Gregory Gaultier?
James: It was an intense battle, full of rallies and was played at immense pace. It was a top quality squash and the first game was a cracker with both of us giving out everything for each point. We were not giving an inch of space to each other and after the match I realized that it went on for 59 minutes and supposedly one of the longest games in the history of modern squash.
ISN: Is there someone in particular to whom you would like to dedicate this success to?
James: There are a lot of people who I would like to dedicate this win, but the foremost one any day would be my father Malcolm Willstrop. He has been a great inspiration to me. And then there is my brother David and David and also my girlfriend Vanessa. I am glad that all of them are here with me to celebrate this win.
ISN: How enjoyable was your stay in India?
James: It is a beautiful place and I really liked every moment here as I had a real nice time. I think this place is lucky for me as I won my junior title here. And now I have won the PSA Masters also. I guess this country is becoming a lucky one for me.
ISN: So which would be the most memorable season of your career till date?
James: Without doubt, it has to be 2011. I won three consecutive titles this year. I don’t think anything can be better or memorable than this.
