[3] Tesni Evans (Wal) 3-0 [4] Emily Whitlock (Eng) 11-3, 11-6, 11-5 (31m)
[1] James Willstrop (Eng) 3-1 [2] Daryl Selby (Eng) 11-5, 7-11, 11-5, 11-7 (60m)
Tesni and James are the 2019 National Champions
Tesni Evans is still the British National Champion after an emphatic win over Emily Whitlock in the women’s final.
The match went in phases – Tesni led the first 3-0, Emily levelled then Tesni raced to 11-3. In the second Emily pegged from 0-6 to 6-all but Tesni finished it 11-6. It was 4-1 to Tesni in the third, then 4-all, but Tesni again powered away, taking the title 11-5.
“It’s pretty special,” said Cardiff-born Evans, now based in Rhyl.
“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.
“It feels amazing, and I’m happy with how I played as well.
“I think the court probably suited me a little bit. I tried to play as fast as I could and take the ball as early as I could and that hurt her and I think it maybe took her a little bit by surprise.
“I’m just happy with how I played because I can’t play much better than that, so it was perfect.
“I’d love to win a third title, that would be amazing!”
James Willstrop captured his third title, 11 years after his last, with an entertaining four-game win over Daryl Selby. Willlstrop pulled away from the middle of the first to lead, but Selby levelled after taking a 7-0 lead in the second.
The third and fourth both went Willstriop’s way with Selby’s exertions earlier in the tournament – and probable a 1-26 record against Willstrop – taking their toll.
It’s lovely,” said Harrogate-based Willstrop. “To achieve a big title like that 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 just try and get through each day and each week. I came here feeling fit and strong so I gave myself a chance.
“In a sport like squash, it’s not an easy sport to keep playing when you’re old, and historically speaking we are old squash players. It’s credit to everyone who has helped us to stay in shape, that we’re on there playing a hard game at that age.
“A year at this point is a long time. If I’m playing in a year’s time I’ll be thrilled and if I’m playing, of course I’ll be here.
“If my body lets me, if it doesn’t let me, that’s what it’s dependent on.”
