WORLD SQUASH NEWS

RESULTS: Brit Insurance Super Series Squash Finals, Broadgate Arena, London

Final:
[1] Thierry Lincou (FRA) bt Joseph Kneipp (AUS) 10-11 (0-2), 11-9, 11-2, 11-1 (58m)
    Third place play-off:
[2] John White (SCO) bt Nick Matthew (ENG) 11-9, 9-11, 11-6 (44m)

Lincou Secures Super Series Finals Title

France's Thierry Lincou, the No1 seed, won his first Brit Insurance Super Series Squash Finals title at London's Broadgate Arena after his Australian opponent Joe Kneipp broke all three of his rackets before the end of the second game, forcing him to play out the remainder of the match with two rackets borrowed from spectators. 

Amsterdam-based Kneipp, who was making his debut at the Finals, broke his first string in the opening game - which he won 2-0 in a tiebreak - and two more in the second game, exhausting his own supply.

"I came with three rackets for the match and thought that would be enough," said Kneipp who, at world No12, was the lowest-ranked player in the tournament.  "Once I started having to use different rackets, my confidence just went.  I was beginning to tire physically in the third game anyway and a combination of that, the rackets, and Thierry playing so well, spelt the end for me."

Kneipp broke his final string on game point of the second, which Lincou took 11-9, and from then on the Frenchman took complete control, winning the next two games to clinch the match 10-11 11-9 11-2 11-1 in 58 minutes with a near faultless display.

Lincou was thrilled to win his first major tournament after finishing runner-up here in 2002 and taking third place last year.  "I feel sorry for Joe," said the Paris-based 28-year-old after celebrating the tenth PSA Tour title of his career.  "Even though it was a tough match, he didn't deserve to finish like that.  He was getting angry with all his rackets breaking, but that wasn't my fault! 

"I'm really, really happy.  It means a lot to me having lost so many finals.  This is my first win in a big tournament and to do it in front of my parents and my coach is the best feeling.  Having come so close in 2002 and finishing third last year, this tournament really means something to me and I'm delighted to win it today."

After exhausting his supply of Klip rackets and then borrowing a Prince and a Dunlop, a disappointed Kneipp joked:  "I guess I'll be seeking payment from three different racket sponsors!"

In the play-off for third place, Scotland's John White, the No2 seed, beat England's Nick Matthew 11-9 9-11 11-6 in the 44-minute best-of-three battle.