International Squash Magazine – March 2019

AJ BELL BRITISH NATIONAL
CHAMPIONSHIPS – NOTTINGHAM 2019
It’s pretty special… It makes it even more special that
I can defend it and take it back to Wales, that makes it
even better
TESNI EVANS
Despite the game deficit, Selby’s
belligerence showed no sign of waning,
however Willstrop’s overall greater
accuracy eventually proved crucial in
allowing him to close-out the contest
11-5 7-11 11-5 11-7 in 60 minutes with his
second match ball.
“It’s lovely,” said the three-time
champion who previously won the title in
2007 and 2009.
“To win a big title like this with so many
big players is fantastic. My body got
through it. It’s a huge title and a very
special thing to be able to achieve, so I’m
very, very happy. I came here feeling fit
and strong, so I gave myself a chance.”
Defending champion Tesni Evans, who
last year became the first Welsh player
of either gender to claim the trophy in
the championships’ illustrious history,
retained her women’s crown with a
dominant straight-games victory over
fourth seed Emily Whitlock of England.
Evans was the early aggressor in
the match to take the first game in
dominant fashion and never looked like
relinquishing her title, winning 11-3, 11-6,
11-5 in 31 minutes.
“It’s pretty special,” said the Welsh No.1
speaking after the match. “It makes it
even more special that I can defend it
and take it back to Wales, that makes it
even better.
“Last year was amazing to win it and I
definitely didn’t think I’d be standing here
after winning it again. I tried to play as
fast as I could and take the ball as early
as I could, and I think it maybe took Emily
a little bit by surprise.
“I’m just happy with how I played
because I can’t play much better than
that, it was perfect,” conceded the
popular Welsh No.1.
AJ Bell British National
Championships
David Ross Sports Village,
University of Nottingham
Men’s Final:
[1] James Willstrop (ENG) bt
[2] Daryl Selby (ENG)
11-5, 7-11, 11-5, 11-7
Women’s Final:
[3] Tesni Evans (WAL) bt
[4] Emily Whitlock (ENG)
11-3 11-6 11-5
INTERNATIONALSQUASHMAGAZINE March 2019 | 11
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