James is always a hugely popular
visitor to Canary Wharf and he has won the title three times. He
has had a few problems with injuries and illness in recent
months and has been finding it hard this year to really keep on
top of things and keep his place in the pecking order, slipping
down the rankings to seven.
 At
this time last year he enjoyed a phenomenal run of success,
reaching the finals of five consecutive tournaments. He was
runner-up in the final of the Tournament of Champions at new
York’s Grand Central Station, losing an incredible match to
Egypt’s Ramy Ashour, but he then won back to back titles at the
Swedish Open, the Virginia Pro Championship, the new Players Cup
in Boston, and capped it all here at the East Wintergarden,
where he fought back from a deficit of two games to one to beat
Australian Cameron Pilley in a magnificent final to record his
third tournament success.
He will be looking forward to a period of time when he can play
continually and get his rhythm back. He loves Canary Wharf and
his open, expansive game is a delight to watch.
I have been working a little with James in recent weeks and have
given him some homework to do leading up to Canary Wharf! |
FACT FILE:
Current world ranking: 7
Highest: 2
Born: August 15, 1983 (North Walsham, Norfolk)
Main titles: 11 wins from 17 finals including Qatar Classic, ISS
Canary Wharf Classic (3 times), English Open, English Grand
Prix, Swedish Open, Virginia Open, Players Cup. Twice National
champion.
 |
3
JAMES WILLSTROP (England)