07-Jun-03:
Willstrop Claims
Cleethorpes Crown
England's World Junior Squash Champion James Willstrop claimed another impressive scalp in his rapid rise through the sport's senior ranks when he beat England captain Mark Chaloner, the world No14, in straight games in the semi-finals of the Novartis Invitation in Cleethorpes, England.

The 19-year-old from Pontefract in Yorkshire, seeded four, overcame experienced compatriot Paul Lord in the first round of the eight-man event.

Chaloner, the top seed who is ranked 24 places higher in the world list and three positions above in the domestic rankings, was the teenager's next victim.

Willstrop wasted no time in defeating his new England team mate, the defending champion, 15-11 15-10 15-12 to reach the final.

After a nervous start against South Africa's Rodney Durbach, last year's beaten finalist, the impressive youngster rediscovered his touch and rallied to a 13-15 15-6 15-12 15-5 victory to claim the title.

"Rodney is never easy and he won a close first game, but when I went 2/1 up I felt confident, since he looked more tired than me," said the 2003 champion. "Cleethorpes pulled together a high-class field and this gave me ideal match practice in preparation for my next event on the PSA World Tour, the Spanish Open in Seville later this month.

"I have been training hard this summer, and I'm pleased to demonstrate the progress I am making with this great win over Mark," Willstrop added. "I now look forward to making further strides on the PSA Tour and improving my world ranking."

Main sponsors:
Novartis Grimsby Limited

• Dates: 6th / 7th June 2003

• Location: Cleethorpes, North East Lincolnshire

• Organisers: Mike and Kim Hallam

• email: kim.hallam2@ntlworld.com      

£750 winner, £500 runner-up
£250 losing semis, £125 first round losers

In its sixth year, this is an 8 man invitation tournament. First round of 4 matches on Friday, semis on Saturday morning and final on Saturday evening. Previous winners include Nick Taylor, David Evans, Paul Lord, and last year Mark Chaloner beat Rodney Durbach in a thrilling final.

Post Code Map: DN35 0HZ.

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