It has been a year that James Willstrop will surely remember as his best, with three titles in a row. Willstrop, who won the Hong Kong Open, the Kuwait Cup and, most recently, the PSA Masters in India, is set to become the world number one in squash.
In an interview with Shraddha Bagdwal of Indian Sports News, James talks about his season and much more. Excerpts:
ISN: Congratulations on 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 that I missed last year. I never thought of winning three titles in a row, but now that I have done it, it gives me immense pleasure and satisfaction. It is a lifetime achievement, and by virtue of this win I will also become the number one ranked squash player.
ISN: Did you have a set strategy before taking on each opponent?
James: No, I don’t think so. Honestly speaking, I do not think much before going into a match. I just go out there and play my game.
ISN: Tell us about the PSA Masters final against Gregory Gaultier.
James: It was an intense battle, full of rallies and played at immense pace. It was top-quality squash, and the first game was a cracker, with both of us giving everything for each point. We were not giving each other an inch of space, and after the match I realised that it had gone on for 59 minutes, 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?
James: There are a lot of people I would like to dedicate this win to, but the foremost, any day, is my father, Malcolm Willstrop. He has been a great inspiration to me. Then there is my brother 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 liked every moment here. I had a really 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 too. I guess this country is becoming a lucky one for me.
ISN: Which has been the most memorable season of your career so far?
James: Without doubt, it has to be 2011. I won three consecutive titles this year. I don’t think anything can be better or more memorable than this.
