KUWAIT CITY, Nov 29: James Willstrop proved himself the in-form player of the PSA Tour by following his World Series title in Hong Kong just over a week ago by reaching the final of the World Series event here in the Kuwait PSA Cup on Monday.

Winning front line titles back-to-back is increasingly rare on the men’s circuit, but the Englishman’s impressive 11-9, 11-6, 11-3 win over Gregory Gaultier, the former world number one from France, suggested he may be capable of it.

Once again he will have a final against Karim Darwish, the former world number one from Egypt, who had to save two game points to avoid going to a decider in an 11-4, 11-9, 5-11, 15-13 win over his young compatriot Mohamed El Shorbagy, the former world junior champion.

However Willstrop’s victory, which takes him significantly closer to ending 2011 by equalling his career high world ranking of two, was more economical on energy than Darwish’s - an important factor in a physically demanding finish to the season.

Results:Semi-finals:James Willstrop (ENG x3) bt Gregory Gaultier (FRA x5) 11-9, 11-6, 11-3; Karim Darwish (EGY x2) bt Mohamed El Shorbagy (EGY x7) 11-4, 11-9, 5-11, 15-13.—AFP