Britain’s Nick Matthew became world champion for the third time after claiming a thrilling victory over Frenchman Grégory Gaultier in five dramatic sets at the A J Bell World Squash Championship in Manchester on Sunday.

“It was tough. It was such a mental battle,” said the delighted Yorkshireman, who had also won the world title in 2010 and 2011.

“What people don’t see is that mental torment, that mental chess. There’s no space to breathe, to move. It’s such a mental battle. I need a month off after that.”

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The 33-year-old, who reached the final after top seed Ramy Ashour was forced to retire from their semi-final with a hamstring injury, added: “I could gladly retire tomorrow – I won’t, but I could.”