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GREGORY THE GREAT SINKS
LOCAL HERO WILLSTROP

By Alan Thatcher

GREGORY GAULTIER is leading a French revolution in world squash. This incredible 18-year-old, from Aix-en-Provence, beat Yorkshire's James Willstrop to win the British Junior Open Under-19 title before an enthralled crowd packed like sardines into the grand old showcourt here at Sheffield's historic Abbeydale club.

Gaultier justified his top seeding by beating Willstrop in straight games, 9-5 9-7 9-4. The tall young Englishman fought hard all the way but Gaultier had too much variety in his play and the winners flourished from his racket.

This young man has the lot. He moves round the court like lightning, he attacks from any angle, and hits dead nicks at will. 

Gaultier raced into an early 5-0 lead in the first game and although Willstrop mounted fierce resistance and drew level at 5-5, he was always playing catch-up after that and served just once more as Gaultier took the game 9-5.

The second game was close and at 4-4 Gaultier was penalised when his headband fell to the floor in the middle of a rally. Willstrop had the chance to pull ahead but hit too many attempted winners into the tin. Gaultier edged it 9-7 and was quickly ahead in the third. More loose play from Willstrop, and a succession of exquisite winners from his opponent, allowed the Frenchman to develop a commanding lead. When he reached his first match ball at 8-3 you could sense that he wanted to finish with a flourish. He stepped up the pace and blitzed the ball around the court. Unfortunately he tinned a boast and Willstrop pinched a point back, but Gaultier clinched the title at the next opportunity. 

During the match there were thousands of cries of 'Come on James' but at the end of the match the Abbeydale crowd burst into applause to salute the Frenchman's victory.

With film star looks, incredible racket skills and the speed of a panther, Gaultier would already be earning millions if he was a tennis player. Agents would be knocking at his door with mind-boggling fiscal offers, but this is squash and the rewards are peanuts by comparison. However, this young man is certain to go far in the senior game. He is already surging up the PSA rankings and can only get better. A frightening prospect.