SHEFFIELD (England), Aug 23: Peter Nicol of England beat countryman Nick Matthew 11-8, 11-9, 11-3 in the final of English Open Squash Championship.

Former world number one Nicol achieved a ‘third-time-lucky’ goal when he won English Open Championship - PSA Tour event he has co-promoted for past three years.

Nicol’s achievement in the event, winning his 51st major international title, put paid to a fairy-tale ending for his opponent Nick Matthew — fifth seed who upset two higher-seeded players, including defending champion and world No2 Lee Beachill, to reach his first international final.

Nicol showed signs of his rejuvenation and new motivation for the game when he won World Games crown last month, crushing France’s world champion Thierry Lincou in the final.

It was Nicol who celebrated his long-awaited success after 53 minutes, winning 11-8 11-9 11-3.

Earlier, seeding committee for Women’s English Open were vindicated when favourite Jenny Duncalf beat second seed Vicky Botwright in final full of drama.

Duncalf, after a 75-minute marathon, claimed her 1-9 9-3 9-2 8-10 9-5 victory and the first women’s English Open trophy.—PPI