Canary Wharf RD1: Willstrop Downs Wildcard Fallows

Former World No.1 James Willstrop is through to the second round of the St. James’s Place Canary Wharf Classic after defeating fellow Englishman Richie Fallows in the opening match of the tournament.

He may not have appeared at the Windy City Open presented by the Walter Family, but the Englishman was featuring on stage in Bingley, Yorkshire, and only arrived in London the morning of his first round match.

Meanwhile, Fallows booked his place in this event after winning the Wildcard Challenge last year, where he got the better of Joshua Masters to secure his point in the tournament.

The four-time British Nationals Champion made light work of his first round match at East Wintergarden, coming through in just 21 minutes to book his place in the last 16 against Peruvian World No.6 Diego Elias.

“You don’t play this best-of-three very often so a few minutes of not concentrating and you can fall behind. It could be an hour long match or it could be 20-odd minutes, so you have to be totally on it,” Willstrop explained.

“I love Chicago. It is a great event and I love it there. The travel takes its toll and I know there are benefits to staying at home. I get to rest and train, see the physio to make sure I can keep going at it!”

On appearing on stage all last week: “We were a little bit deflated after you build up for six weeks. We were a bit sad last night so one of my cast members has joined me in the audience. It is great, it is our hobby and it is something away from the squash court and that is what we need.”

Result
James Willstrop (ENG) bt Richie Fallows (ENG) 2-0: 11-5, 11-6 (21m)