James Willstrop of England became the new World junior men's squash champion when he beat compatriot Peter Barker 9-0, 9-3, 9-1 in the final at the India Cements Academy in Chennia on Monday.
The tall and well-built player from Pontefract in Yorkshire put all his reserves into the title clash to score an emphatic win over Barker in just 24 minutes.
Barker, who was tamed for the fourth time this year, having lost in straight games in the British Open, British Junior Open and the European championship, was subdued, perhaps due to the excellent court coverage and consistent winners by Willstrop.
The near-packed indoor stadium was geared up for a tough five-game final, but Willstrop had different ideas as he displayed tremendous speed and accuracy in reeling points at will.
Barker had a couple of opportunities with serve in the first game but could not find the rhythm that he exhibited in the earlier rounds of the championship.
In the second game too, Willstrop enjoyed a 4-1 lead and was unwilling to compromise whenever Barker looked to
catch up. Willstrop was extremely confident about his game and after a couple of rallies went for the kill.
More than once, Willstrop, being in front about four feet from the glass wall, played delectable drop shots, adjusted
the pace, slowing down and suddenly coming up with fast and powerful smashes to score points.
