The 2023 British National Champions were crowned at St George’s Hill today …
[5] Jasmine Hutton (Eng) 3-2 [2] Tesni Evans (Wal) 13-11, 11-8, 8-11, 7-11, 5-3 rtd (67m)
[1] Mohamed ElShorbagy (Eng) 3-0 [2] Joel Makin (Wal) 11-7, 12-10, 11-5 (53m)
Mo retains the title
Mohamed ElShorbagy remains the British National Men’s champion after beating second seed Joel Makin in straight games in a repeat of last year’s final.
ElShorbagy eased ahead after an even start to the first game, then took a 10-5 lead in the second. Makin recovered to 10-all but ElShorbagy took the next two points to double his lead.
ElShorbagy maintained the momentum in the third, moving to 10-5 before securing the title with a winning dropshot.
“I think the tactic before the match was to try and play Willstrop tactics a little bit, with the ball control, with the accuracy. Nobody can do it like him, but I just tried to do it as close to him.
“I’m really happy to win the title. It’s such a historic event and I want to show how serious I am about this event and how important it is for me, being a national champion is a big thing for me.
“I think it is such a great step from England Squash to have the Nationals at different events all across the country, and I will hope to be back again next year.”
Jazz is still the champion !!
Jasmine Hutton retained the British Nationals title that she unexpectedly claimed last year, as two-time champion and second seed Tesni Evans was forced to retire injured during the fifth game.
Hutton had taken a two-game lead – recovering from 8-10 in the first and capitalising on a 6-2 start to the second – only for Evans to peg it back and force a decider.
But at 4-3 to Hutton injury struck as Evans pulled up chasing a dropshot, and despite physio treatment was unable to continue.
“I’m really gutted for Tesni. We were having an absolute battle out there and it’s a horrible way to finish and win an event. I wish her a speedy recovery. We have got a really busy season ahead so all the best to her and she is an absolute legend.
“I feel like I really took myself out of my comfort zone and flew over to Florida for a good four weeks. There was a lot of fitness early mornings, there was fitness every day no matter what and I feel really amazing.”
