Nick Matthew was left toasting a job well done after claiming his eighth British National Squash Championship title on Sunday.

Matthew has certainly been in love with the British National Squash Championships in the past and made it a Valentine’s Day to remember as he got the better of James Willstrop.

It was Matthew’s record ninth final and the fifth time he and Willstrop had faced off in the showpiece, with the former coming through three games to one.

"It's always tough to break James down, but the court was a bit deader than in previous days and he was maybe feeling yesterday's five-setter by the end,” Matthew said.

"The Nationals is a great event, always improving with new things coming along like the U21s and two glass courts, and it's unbelievable and an absolute honour to have won it eight times."

There was also joy for world number one Laura Massaro in the women’s event as she justified her top seeding with a comprehensive straight-games win in her final against Alison Waters.

A quick start saw Massaro lead 5-0 and the pattern was set as she dominated the rallies and raced to a two game lead.

The third was more competitive, but Massaro still had the edge, closing out the match in under half an hour.
"Alison wasn't at her best, but I thought I played well and I'm absolutely delighted to get my name back on the trophy," said Massaro.

Sportsbeat 2016