YOUNGSTER Neil Cordell will attempt to topple defending champion Matthew Lowery in tonight's York Men's Squash Championships final at Wigginton.

The 15-year-old came through a tough battle with the experienced Ian Tooms last night to book his final berth.

Cordell raced into a 2-0 lead after winning 9-3 9-1 but second seed Tooms hit back to take the third 9-7 after being 6-0 down.

But Cordell finally entinguished Tooms' fighting spirit when he took the fourth 9-7 to end a 50-minute battle.

Top seed Lowery eased past Duffield 9-4 9-1 9-0 and will be a hot favourite to defeat Wigginton team-mate Cordell in tonight's final which starts at 8pm.

Lowery beat Tooms in last year's final to win the crown for the first time and has been having a cracking season with IT Sports Wigginton in the Yorkshire League.

The finals will be something of a family affair with Neil's older sister Kathryn going for her second championship success in three years.

The 18-year-old number one seed was the youngest ever winner when she lifted the trophy two years ago, and was runner up last time out.

Facing her on court at 8pm is number three seed Andrea Mayne of Thirsk 1, who knocked out second seed Diana King in the semi-finals.

She will also be cheering on Thirsk 2 clubmate Alison Elder in the plate final (7.30pm) as she tackles Ruth Bielby of Malton.

In the men's plate, Tom Pepper got a bye in to the final because semi-final opponent Kevin Rusling had an achilles injury.

Ben Riley will face Pepper in tonight's plate final after defeating Steve Jobson in the other semi.

Updated: 11:39 Friday, February 18, 2005