World Squash Championship: James Willstrop loses in semi-final

Willstrop last reached the semi-finals in 2012

England's James Willstrop lost to Frenchman Gregory Gaultier in the semi-finals of the men's World Squash Championship in Washington.

Willstrop, 32, had beaten world number one Mohamed Elshorbagy and fifth seed Miguel Angel Rodriguez to reach the last four in Bellevue.

But third seed Gaultier, also 32, ended his run - winning 11-1 11-8 11-8 in just 50 minutes.

"It's been an absolute pleasure to play here," said Willstrop.

Four-time runner-up Gaultier will face Egypt's Omar Mosaad in the final.

Willstrop, who has slipped to world number 24 after a career-threatening hip injury, reached the semi-finals for the first time since 2012.

"I've put it together and have only dreamed about doing what I've done this week," he added.

"I'm a little bit disappointed now but reaching the semi-final has been beyond whatever I could have expected and hoped for.

"It's been fantastic and hopefully I can just move on a bit now."