Nick Matthew exits British Open, Laura Massaro in women's final

Nick Matthew

Defending champion Nick Matthew was eliminated from the British Open after he was beaten in the semi-finals by France's Gregory Gaultier.

The 32-year-old from Sheffield lost 9-11 11-7 11-3 11-6 to Gaultier, 30, in a feisty contest at Hull's KC Stadium.

Top seed Ramy Ashour, 25, also reached the final, the Egyptian beating Briton James Willstrop 11-2 11-9 13-11.

Laura Massaro gave the home fans cause to celebrate by reaching the women's final, where she meets Nicol David.

Preston-based Massaro beat Egypt's Raneem El Weleily 8-11 11-6 11-8 11-9 in the semi-finals.

The 29-year-old, ranked second in the world, said: "For a British player to make it to the British Open final in front of such a huge crowd is amazing. I am so happy, so happy."

Malaysian world number one David booked her place in the final with an 11-5 11-4 11-5 win over Londoner Alison Waters.