Mohamed ElShorbagy & Jasmine Hutton crowned 2023 British National Squash Champions
August 19 2023
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Mohamed ElShorbagy and Jasmine Hutton successfully retained their British National Squash Championships titles at the St George’s Hill Lawn Tennis Club & Squash Club in Weybridge, England where they triumphed over Welsh contenders Joel Makin and Tesni Evans, respectively.
Jasmin Hutton secured her second British Nationals Squash Championship title in a rather unexpected manner. Her clash against the two-time champion Tesni Evans was cut short due to an unfortunate injury sustained by the No.2 seed. In a fiercely contested match, Evans valiantly rallied from a two-game deficit to level the score. However, mid-way through the pivotal fifth game, the Welsh No.1 was forced to pull up while pursuing a Hutton drop shot at the front of the court. Despite receiving attention from the physio, Evans was regrettably unable to continue, thus bestowing the title upon Hutton.
Following the conclusion of the match, Hutton expressed her sympathy, stating, "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."
In the men's final, the championship's top seed, Mohamed ElShorbagy, once again reaffirmed his supremacy by clinching his second consecutive British Nationals Squash Championship title. Facing off against No.2 seed Joel Makin, ElShorbagy displayed his prowess with a resounding 11-7 12-10 11-5 victory.
The encounter marked a rematch of last year's final, in which ElShorbagy emerged victorious in straight games. As both contenders approached this year's title decider without having conceded a game in the tournament, the expectations were high. Ultimately, Makin, in his fourth successive final appearance, couldn't quite match ElShorbagy's power and accuracy, as the 32-year-old maestro adeptly defended his championship title.
In an extraordinary showcase of skill and determination, Mohamed ElShorbagy and Jasmine Hutton have consolidated their positions as true champions and leaving an indelible mark on the British Nationals Squash Championships.
2023 British National Squash Championship, St George's Hill LTC, Weybridge,
Men’s Final:
[1] Mohamed ElShorbagy (ENG) bt [2] Joel Makin (WAL) 11-7, 12-10, 11-5 (53m)
Women’s Final:
[5] Jasmine Hutton (ENG) bt [2] Tesni Evans (WAL) 13-11, 11-8, 8-11, 7-11, 5-3 ret. (67m)
Reigning champion Jasmine Hutton showcased her mettle once again, securing her place in the British National Squash Championships final for the third time. In a riveting clash at Weybridge's St George's Hill Lawn Tennis Club & Squash Club, Hutton fought back from a game down to dethrone women’s top-seed, Georgina Kennedy. The latter, having triumphed over Hutton in all six of their prior encounters, seemed poised to extend her streak as she quickly clinched the first game with remarkable ease, yielding only two points.
Yet, Hutton demonstrated her brilliance before her fervent hometown supporters. Adapting her strategy masterfully, she deliberately slowed the tempo, gaining control of the match's rhythm to her advantage. Employing her tactical acumen, Hutton deftly outmaneuvered Kennedy, exhibiting subtle touches and nimble flicks, complemented by consistent, precision-driven shots that stretched the length of the court. These well-crafted tactics allowed her to capture the subsequent three games in an unanswerable fashion.
The other women's semi-final bore witness to a thrilling five-game showdown, where two-time champion Tesni Evans of Wales managed to edge out three-time champion Sarah-Jane Perry of England. The grueling 74-minute battle concluded 11-4 14-16 7-11 12-10 11-7. Evans, having secured the title in 2018 and 2019, entered the match as the underdog, boasting just eight wins out of 23 matches against Perry. However, her triumphant performance marked her fourth consecutive victory over the No.3 seed. With her ranking at World No.13, Tesni Evans now sets her sights on a potential third consecutive win against Hutton in the final.
The men's final will echo the drama of the 2022 British National Sqush Championship title decider, as reigning champion Mohamed ElShorbagy and No.2 seed Joel Makin triumphed over their respective opponents, No.7 seed Charlie Lee and No.4 seed Adrian Waller.
Top seed Mohamed ElShorbagy, commanding a World No.3 ranking, solidified his status as a finalist with a convincing 11-8 11-8 11-7 victory over Charlie Lee. This triumphant redemption mirrored his unexpected defeat to Lee at the PSA Optasia Squash Championships in March.
Likewise, Makin carved a path to the final unmarred by any game losses. His emphatic 11-8 11-9 11-4 conquest of Adrian Waller confirmed his place in a fourth successive final appearance. The Welsh contender, who previously clinched the British Nationals crown in 2021, will undoubtedly infuse the ultimate showdown with fierce competition and history-making potential.
2023 British National Squash Championship, St George's Hill LTC, Weybridge,
Men’s Semi-Finals:
[1] Mohamed ElShorbagy (ENG) bt [7] Charlie Lee (ENG) 11-8, 11-8, 11-7 (39m)
[2] Joel Makin (WAL) bt [4] Adrian Waller (ENG) 11-8, 11-9, 11-4 (44m)
Women’s Semi-Finals:
[5] Jasmine Hutton (ENG) bt [1] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) 2-11, 11-8, 11-9, 11-5 (41m)
[2] Tesni Evans (WAL) bt [3] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) 11-4, 14-16, 7-11, 12-10, 11-7 (74m)
England's seventh-seeded Charlie Lee has secured a historic spot in the semi-finals of the 2023 British National Squash Championships having outplayed the third-seeded Patrick Rooney in an intense five-game showdown at the St George’s Hill Lawn Tennis & Squash Club in Surrey.
This closely contested quarter-final match witnessed Charlie Lee's remarkable comeback after being 2-1 down, ultimately clinching a 6-11 11-6 8-11 11-7 11-5 victory. The battle lasted for 56 minutes, showcasing the determination and skill of both players. Lee's remarkable feat sets the stage for an eagerly anticipated semi-final clash against the defending champion, Mohamed ElShorbagy. Notably, Lee aims to replicate his standout performance from the PSA Optasia Squash Championships in March where he managed to defeat the former World No.1.
Mohamed ElShorbagy secured his place in the semi-finals with a convincing 11-8 11-7 11-9 triumph over Welsh qualifier Emyr Evans.
In the other men's semi-final, second-seeded Joel Makin of Wales will face off against the fourth-seeded Adrian Waller in a rematch of the 2021 title decider which saw Makin win his maiden title.
Currently ranked World No.10, Joel Makin displayed his prowess by overpowering the tenth-seeded Joe Lee with an emphatic 11-2 11-3 11-0 victory. Meanwhile, Waller showcased his skill by defeating fellow Englishman Nick Wall in straight games.
Shifting the focus to the women's draw, defending champion Jasmine Hutton showced her resilience by overcoming a match ball against Wales' Emily Whitlock. This thrilling five-game encounter captivated the audience as Hutton, ranked World No.23, displayed her determination to secure victory. Hutton's ranking is just one spot below Whitlock's in the PSA World Rankings, adding to the intensity of their clash. Hutton's 12-14 11-8 11-9 6-11 13-11 victory underscores her commitment to retaining her title.
Awaiting Hutton in the semi-finals is the top-seed and 2021 runner-up, Georgina Kennedy who showed her dominance by defeating Scotland's Georgia Adderley with a swift 32 minute 11-8 11-5 11-3 victory.
The other women's semi-final promises another gripping showdown as three-time champion Sarah-Jane Perry takes on the two-time winner Tesni Evans. Perry's victory over the seventh-seeded Katie Malliff and Evans' triumph against the sixth-seeded Lucy Turmel set the stage for an exciting clash.
The 2023 British National Squash Championships continues to deliverer intense and captivating matches, showcasing the remarkable skills and determination of the participants. The upcoming semi-finals are poised to provide further exhilarating moments as the contenders vie for the prestigious title.
2023 British National Squash Championship, St George's Hill LTC, Weybridge,
Men’s Quarter-Finals:
[1] Mohamed ElShorbagy (ENG) bt [Q] Emyr Evans (WAL) 11-8, 11-7, 11-9 (35m)
[7] Charlie Lee (ENG) bt [3] Patrick Rooney (ENG) 6-11, 11-6, 8-11, 11-7, 11-5 (56m)
[4] Adrian Waller (ENG) bt [5] Nick Wall (ENG) 11-9, 11-4, 11-9 (39m)
[2] Joel Makin (WAL) bt [10] Joe Lee (ENG) 11-2, 11-3, 11-0 (26m)
Women’s Quarter-Finals:
[1] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) bt [8] Georgia Adderley (SCO) 11-8, 11-5, 11-3 (32m)
[5] Jasmine Hutton (ENG) bt [4] Emily Whitlock (WAL) 12-14, 11-8, 11-9, 6-11, 13-11 (69m)
[3] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) bt [7] Katie Malliff (ENG) 11-9, 11-3, 12-10 (24m)
[2] Tesni Evans (WAL) bt [6] Lucy Turmel (ENG) 15-13, 11-9, 11-8 (52m)
Quarter-finals day has arrived at the 2023 British National Squash Championships, where 16 contenders are vying for coveted semi-final berths. The battleground is set at St Georges Hill Squash Club in the picturesque town of Weybridge, Surrey.
The elite field witnessed upsets in the men's draw during the preceding matches. A former World No.29, Joe Lee, orchestrated an impressive upset by vanquishing George Parker, securing his slot among the final eight. Adding to the intrigue, qualifier Emyr Evans exhibited a spirited and precise performance to beat England's Curtis Malik.
Stepping onto the stage of competition, Joe Lee will now play No.2 seed, Joel Makin of Wales as he aims for a coveted semi-final berth. The sibling saga continues with Joe's brother, Charlie Lee, the No.7 seed, poised to command attention as he clashes with the No.3 seed and last year's semi-finalist, Patrick Rooney. This impending duel promises a clash of exceptional quality and intensity. Another gripping men's encounter unfolds in the early order of play, as Adrian Waller squares off against the indomitable Nick Wall. Both players are primed to exhibit unwavering determination in their quest to secure a spot in the prestigious last four.
Turning the spotlight to the women's draw, all seeded players admirably progressed, setting the stage for captivating quarter-final showdowns. Among these, a captivating narrative unfolds as defending champion Jasmine Hutton readies herself to engage in a titanic tussle with former finalist Emily Whitlock. Hutton, though ranked behind the top four seeds this year, is resolute in her mission to topple a higher-ranked adversary and assert her dominance.
The focal point of attention converges on the top-seeded players, Georgina Kennedy and Tesni Evans. The mettle of Georgina Kennedy will be tested against Scotland's sole representative, Georgia Adderley, in a match that promises to be a display of raw skill and strategy. In parallel, Tesni Evans sets her sights on a formidable challenge, squaring off against last year's No.2 seed, Lucy Turmel, in a duel that reverberates with anticipation.
As the stage is set and the tension mounts, the British National Squasxh Championships at St Georges Hill Squash Club serve as the arena for exhilarating clashes that define excellence and resilience of the leading squash players in the UK.
Top seeds Mohamed ElShorbagy and Georgina Kennedy kicked off their campaigns at the 2023 British National Squash Championships with commanding victories in the opening round at the prestigious St George’s Hill Lawn and Tennis Club in Surrey, England.
Defending champion Mohamed ElShorbagy, who won the title in his debut British National Squash Championship debut a year ago, showcased his dominance against Finnlay Withington. Withington, participating in the event for the third time, couldn't match ElShorbagy's intensity who secured a decisive 11-5 11-9 11-8 victory in 26-minutes. ElShorbagy's triumph sets the stage for a compelling quarter-final clash against Welsh qualifier Emyr Evans, who pulled off an upset victory against Curtis Malik of England, marking his return at the British National Championships after a three-year hiatus.
Joining Mohamed ElShorbagy in the men's quarter-finals is the 2021 champion, Joel Makin of Wales. Makin, who fell short in last year's final against ElShorbagy, showed strong form as he dispatched Perry Malik in straight games. Joel Makin next challenge will be the No.10 seed Joe Lee, who caused a stir by overcoming 6th seed George Parker in a gruelling five-game match.
Another noteworthy quarter-final encounter features England's No.3 seed Patrick Rooney, who overcame his compatriot James Peach, setting the stage for a clash against No.7 seed Charlie Lee.
The men's draw also witnessed the progression of Adrian Waller and Nick Wall following victories over Ben Smith and Miles Jenkins respectively.
In the women's draw, top-seeded Georgina Kennedy started her journey at the British National Squash Championships with a dominant display against Lowri Roberts from Wales. Kennedy, the 2021 runner-up, demonstrated her prowess with an emphatic 23-minute 11-2 11-7 11-0 victory. Kennedy's absence last year due to injury did not hinder her strong start, as she prepares to face Scotland's No.8 seed Georgia Adderley in the quarter-finals. Adderley earned her spot by triumphing over Grace Gear in a 3-1 battle.
Three-time British National Squash Champion Sarah-Jane Perry also booked her place in the women's quarter-finals after overcoming her fellow Englishwoman Alicia Mead in a closely contested encounter. Despite the 3-0 scoreline, Mead put up a fierce fight, narrowly missing out in the first two games. Perry's tenacity prevailed, securing her a 12-10 12-10 11-8 victory. Sarah-Jane Perry will next face No.7 seed Katie Malliff in the pursuit of a semi-final berth. Malliff's passage to the quarter-finals was marked by a four-game victory over Scottish qualifier Alison Thomson.
Defending women's champion Jasmine Hutton advanced to the quarter-finals after defeating Millie Tomlinson, and is set to face off against 2019 runner-up Emily Whitlock. Another compelling clash features two-time winner Tesni Evans, who triumphed over qualifier Saran Nghiem in three games, will face No.6 seed Lucy Turmel in the quarter-finals, after Turmel endured a tightly contested battle against Torrie Malik to secure her spot in the next round.
2023 British National Squash Championship, St George's Hill LTC, Weybridge,
Men's 1st Round:
[1] Mohamed ElShorbagy (ENG) bt [12] Finnlay Withington (ENG) 11-5, 11-9, 11-8 (26m)
[Q] Emyr Evans (WAL) bt [8] Curtis Malik (ENG) 12-10, 11-8, 7-11, 11-9 (58m)
[7] Charlie Lee (ENG) bt [Q] Jordan Warne (ENG) 11-1, 11-2, 11-4 (28m)
[3] Patrick Rooney (ENG) bt [11] James Peach (ENG) 11-5, 11-6, 11-4 (26m)
[4] Adrian Waller (ENG) bt [9] Ben Smith (ENG) 11-7, 11-2, 11-4 (25m)
[5] Nick Wall (ENG) bt [Q] Miles Jenkins (ENG) 11-6, 11-9, 8-11, 11-2 (57m)
[10] Joe Lee (ENG) bt [6] George Parker (ENG) 11-9, 9-11, 7-11, 12-10, 11-7 (69m)
[2] Joel Makin (WAL) bt [Q] Perry Malik (ENG) 11-3, 11-0, 11-2 (31m)
Women's 1st Round:
[1] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) bt [Q] Lowri Roberts (WAL) 11-2, 11-7, 11-0 (23m)
[8] Georgia Adderley (SCO) bt Grace Gear (ENG) 11-4, 8-11, 11-5, 11-5 (44m)
[5] Jasmine Hutton (ENG) bt Millie Tomlinson (ENG) 11-8, 11-2, 11-8 (32m)
[4] Emily Whitlock (WAL) bt [Q] Asia Harris (ENG) 11-2, 11-7, 6-11, 11-9 (43m)
[3] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) bt Alicia Mead (ENG) 12-10, 12-10, 11-8 (27m)
[7] Katie Malliff (ENG) bt [Q] Alison Thomson (SCO) 11-7, 11-2, 11-4 (25m)
[6] Lucy Turmel (ENG) bt Torrie Malik (ENG) 11-8, 11-8, 3-11, 14-12 (43m)
[2] Tesni Evans (WAL) bt [Q] Saran Nghiem (ENG) 11-9, 11-9, 11-6 (30m)
The 1st round of the 2023 British National Squash Championships will start today following two rounds of qualification at St Georges Hill Lawn Tennis & Squash Club in Surrey, England. Miles Jenkins, Jordan Warne, Emyr Evans and Perry Malik all qualified for the men's main draw, whilst Saran Nghiem, Alison Thomson, Asia Harris and Lowri Roberts qualified for the women's main draw.
Perry Malik secured his place in the main draw of the prestigious 2023 British National Squash Championships after prevailing over his younger brother Heston in a captivating final qualifying round match.
Despite an impressive start by Heston, who clinched the opening game of a closely contested battle, Perry demonstrated his resilience and skill, orchestrating a compelling turnaround. Over the subsequent three games, he commanded the court and showcased his mastery to secure his place in the main draw. Earlier in the day, Perry had also vanquished fellow Englishman Jared Carter during the initial qualifying round matches. His next challenge will be Joel Makin of Wales, as Perry Malik qualified for the main draw for the first time in his career.
Meanwhile, a noteworthy debut campaign unfolded for Jordan Warne who overcame Matt Gregory with a 4-game victory of 11-4 7-11 11-1 11-9 having beaten Archie Turnbull earlier in the day.
Local favorite Miles Jenkins, who also coaches at the St George’s Hill Lawn Tennis & Squash Club, captivated an ardent crowd and showcased his resolve in triumphing 14-12 8-11 11-1 12-10 over Jack Mitterer to set-up an eagerly anticipated first-round encounter against Nick Wall.
Emyr Evans of Wales celebrated his return to the main draw for the first time since 2021 after a hard-fought victory against Paul Broadberry. Evans, who hase made six appearances at the British National Squash Championships, claimed a hard-fought 11-6 8-11 11-4 11-4 over his English rival.
The women’s division bore witness to notable achievements as well, with Lowri Roberts emerging victorious against Kiera Marshall. Roberts exhibited tenacity throughout the four-game encounter, securing victories in tiebreakers within the first and third games, culminating in a 12-10 3-11 12-10 11-6 triumph. Her remarkable performance earned her a place in the main draw for the second consecutive year, where she is poised to face top-seeded Georgina Kennedy.
In parallel, England’s Asia Harris secured her entry into the main draw with a commanding 31-minute straight-games win over Katie Wells. Saran Nghiem also displayed her prowess, beating Isobel McCullough 11-5 11-1 11-7.
Alison Thomson of Scotland secured her passage to the main draw with a commanding display, triumphing over Chloe Foster 11-4 11-7 11-8 and will face Katie Malliff in the 1st round of the main draw.
2023 British National Squash Championship, St George's Hill LTC, Weybridge,
Men's Qualifying Finals:
Miles Jenkins (ENG) bt Jack Mitterer (ENG) 14-12, 8-11, 11-1, 12-10 (46m)
Jordan Warne (ENG) bt Matt Gregory (ENG) 11-4, 7-11, 11-1, 11-9 (33m)
Emyr Evans (WAL) bt Paul Broadberry (ENG) 11-6, 8-11, 11-4, 11-4 (39m)
Perry Malik (ENG) bt Heston Malik (ENG) 9-11, 11-6, 11-7, 13-11 (36m)
Women's Qualifying Finals:
Saran Nghiem (ENG) bt Isabel McCullough (ENG) 11-5, 11-1, 11-7 (23m)
Alison Thomson (SCO) bt Chloe Foster (WAL) 11-4, 7-11, 11-1, 11-9 (33m)
Asia Harris (ENG) bt Katie Wells (ENG) 11-9, 11-3, 11-8 (31m)
Lowri Roberts (WAL) bt Kiera Marshall (ENG) 12-10, 3-11, 12-10, 11-6 (40m)
Men's 1st Qualifying Round:
Miles Jenkins (ENG) bt Ruudi Clarke (ENG) 11-4, 11-8, 11-8 (39m)
Jack Mitterer (ENG) bt Yuk Hei Lee (ENG) 11-3, 11-1, 11-3 (16m)
Jordan Warne (ENG) bt Archie Turnbull (WAL) 5-3 ret.
Matt Gregory (ENG) bt Nathan Mead (ENG) 11-5, 3-11, 11-7, 5-11, 12-10 (55m)
Emyr Evans (WAL) bt Bailey Malik (ENG) 11-2, 11-7, 11-5 (26m)
Paul Broadberry (ENG) bt Indie Flint (ENG) 12-10, 11-5, 11-9 (26m)
Perry Malik (ENG) bt Jared Carter (ENG) 11-5, 11-1, 11-8 (27m)
Heston Malik (ENG) bt Stephen Hearst (IRL) 11-1, 10-12, 11-5, 11-4 (30m)
The 2023 British National Squash Championships start tomorrow at St Georges Hill Lawn Tennis & Squash Club in Surrey, with anticipation building as reigning champion Mohamed ElShorbagy gears up to defend his hard-earned title from his maiden apperance last year. In the women's championship, all eyes will be on Georgina Kennedy who stands poised to win her inaugural British National Championship title.
The preliminary rounds are scheduled to start tomorrow and will be played across two courts. From both the men's and women's qualifiers, a quartet of players will emerge triumphant, securing their passage into the main draw. Emyr Evans of Wales and England's Saran Nghiem are top seeds in their respective categories.
Within the men's main draw, the spotlight rests on Mohamed ElShorbagy, who faces a formidable challenge in his quest to retain his title. Joel Makin from Wales, the 2021 British National Champion, is a determined contender, eyeing his fourth consecutive final appearance and vying to elevate himself one step further on the podium this year.
World No.24 Patrick Rooney from England is the 3rd seed in the men's draw and will be aiming to disrupt the established seedings in this year's championships. The road ahead presents a tough test for Rooney, as he is expected to play 7th seed Charlie Lee in the second round.
In the women's main draw, defending champion Jasmine Hutton enters the fray as the No.5 seed, finding herself in the same half of the draw as the top-seeded Georgina Kennedy if she is able to navigate past 4th seed Emily Whitlock of Wales in the quarter-finals. Emily Whitlock, who had to bow out in last year's semi-finals through injury, can be keen progress further this time around.
Former champion Tesni Evans, also from Wales, is the No.2 seed in this year's women's championship and will nurture ambitions of clinching a third title. A captivating storyline unfolds as Tesni Evans shares the same half of the draw with another former champion, Sarah Jane Perry of England. The No.3 seed from England triumphed in 2020 and 2021, and owing to her absence in the previous year, embarks on an impressive eight-match winning streak as she enters the first round.
2023 British National Squash Championships, St George's Hill LTC, Weybridge, England
Men's 1st Round:
[1] Mohamed ElShorbagy (ENG) v [12] Finnlay Withington (ENG)
[8] Curtis Malik (ENG) v Qualifier
[7] Charlie Lee (ENG) v Qualifier
[3] Patrick Rooney (ENG) v [11] James Peach (ENG)
[4] Adrian Waller (ENG) v [9] Ben Smith (ENG)
[5] Nick Wall (ENG) v Qualifier
[6] George Parker (ENG) v [10] Joe Lee (ENG)
[2] Joel Makin (WAL) v Qualifier
Men's 1st Qualifying Round:
Miles Jenkins (ENG) v Ruudi Clarke (ENG)
Jack Mitterer (ENG) v Yuk Hei Lee (ENG)
Archie Turnbull (WAL) v Jordan Warne (ENG)
Nathan Mead (ENG) v Matt Gregory (ENG)
Emyr Evans (WAL) v Bailey Malik (ENG)
Indie Flint (ENG) v Paul Broadberry (ENG)
Perry Malik (ENG) v Jared Carter (ENG)
Stephen Hearst (IRL) v Heston Malik (ENG)
Women's 1st Round:
[1] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) v Qualifier
[8] Georgia Adderley (SCO) v Grace Gear (ENG)
[5] Jasmine Hutton (ENG) v Millie Tomlinson (ENG)
[4] Emily Whitlock (WAL) v Qualifier
[3] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) v Alicia Mead (ENG)
[7] Katie Malliff (ENG) v Qualifier
[6] Lucy Turmel (ENG) v Torrie Malik (ENG)
[2] Tesni Evans (WAL) v Qualifier
Women's Qualifying Finals:
Saran Nghiem (ENG) v Isabel McCullough (ENG)
Alison Thomson (SCO) v Chloe Foster (WAL)
Asia Harris (ENG) v Katie Wells (ENG)
Kiera Marshall (ENG) v Lowri Roberts (WAL)
The 2022 British National Squash Championships witnessed the rise of new champions, intense battles, and unexpected outcomes, adding to the legacy of this prestigious tournament.
On the eve of this year's championships, which will be staged at St George's Hill Lawn Tennis Club from the 15th to 19th of August, we recall the events leading up to the crowning of defending champions Jasmine Hutton and Mohamed ElShorbagy who triumphed in Manchester after several gripping battles at the National Squash Centre.
In the opening round, the seeded players demonstrated their prowess, with all of them cruising into the quarter-finals. The most memorable men's match emerged between Finnlay Withington and Patrick Rooney with the duo engaging in a captivating five-set encounter before Rooney eventually avoided an upset.
The women's event saw most of the seeded players dominate their opponents and advancing with straight game victories. Nevertheless, Julianne Courtice, the No.5 seed, faced a challenge from Torrie Malik, dropping the first game before securing her spot in the quarter-finals. No.5 seed Millie Tomlinson was forced to withdraw due to injury to allow Alicia Mead to claim her maiden quarter-final showing.
Moving to the quarter-finals, the story took an intriguing turn as James Willstrop, a former World No.1, displayed his mastery against Adrian Waller, outmaneuvering him with precision to secure a semi-final berth in straight games. Meanwhile, newly converted Englishman Mohamed ElShorbagy faced stiff resistance from Nick Wall before advancing with a 3-1 victory.
The remaining quarter-final matches saw Patrick Rooney of England triumph over Scotland's Greg Lobban, prevailing in four games after an initial setback. Defending champion Joel Makin of Wales also demonstrated his mettle, defeating Curtis Malik in a commanding straight-game performance.
In the women's quarter-finals, Lucy Beecroft was the sole upset, stunning No.4 seed Julianne Courtice with straight-game victory to secure her spot in the semi-finals. Her excellent touch at the front of the court was the key, enabling her to outmaneuver her opponent and claim a decisive three-game victory. Joining her in the semi-finals were the top three seeds, Emily Whitlock, Lucy Turmel, and Jasmine Hutton, all advancing with dominant straight-game wins in their respective matches.
The semi-finals at Manchester's National Squash Centre brought thrilling matchups, with the men's draw featuring a clash between former World No.1's James Willstrop and Mohamed ElShorbagy who showcased a riveting blend of skill and power. ElShorbagy took a 2-0 lead, but Willstrop's remarkable resurgence led to an electrifying third-game victory for him. However, ElShorbagy ultimately secured a place in the final by triumphing in a closely contested tie-break. His opponent would be defending champion Joel Makin, who overcame Patrick Rooney in a hard-fought three-game battle.
In the women's semi-finals, a marathon match unfolded between Lucy Turmel and Lucy Beecroft, with the latter mounting a comeback from a 2-0 deficit to secure her place in the final. Jasmine Hutton, the No.3 seed, advanced to the final after top seed Emily Whitlock was forced to retire due to injury.
In the finals, Mohamed ElShorbagy faced Joel Makin, their 11th meeting in professional competition. ElShorbagy, determined to overturn his recent loss to Makin, showcased his prowess, matching the Welshman's pace and strength. The former World Champion capitalised on his clinical winners to secure a 3-0 victory and his first British National Squash Championship title.
A surprising women's final emerged between No.3 seed Jasmine Hutton and No.6 seed Lucy Beecroft. Hutton dominated the opening game, claiming an 11-3 win. Beecroft staged a comeback in the second game, but Hutton's resilience allowed her to snatch five consecutive points and take a 2-0 lead. The third game remained fiercely contested until Hutton eventually pulled ahead, securing three championship balls and eventually claiming her maoden British National Squash Championship title despite Beecroft's efforts.
England Squash has revealed Mohamed ElShorbagy and Georgina Kennedy as the No.1 seeds for the 2023 British National Squash Championships to be staged at St George's Hill Lawn Tennis Club in Weybridge, Surrey from the 15th to 19th of August.
England No.1 Mohamed ElShorbagy will return to defend his title after a triumphant victory last year in Manchester, where he emerged victorious in his event debut by defeating 2021 champion Joel Makin of Wales in an epic title showdown.
The 32-year-old Bristol-based player's quest for glory begins with a match against the No.9 seed, Simon Herbert. Anticipated quarter-final clashes await against No.8 seed Curtis Malik, followed by a potential face-off with No.3 seed Patrick Rooney in the semi-finals. However, the spotlight is on the thrilling prospect of a repeat final against No.2 seed, Joel Makin.
Joel Makin's journey commences against a qualifier, with the prospect of playing either No.6 seed George Parker or No.12 seed and fomer finalist Joe Lee. A tantalising semi-final encounter looms against the player he vanquished in the 2021 final, Adrian Waller.
In the women's draw, Georgina Kennedy, the 2021 runner-up, makes her long-awaited return after missing last year's event due to injury. The 26-year-old Londoner has been in impeccable form, securing a solid position within the top eight of the PSA World Rankings. Her campaign begins with a round one match against a qualifier, followed by the possibility of facing No.8 seed Georgia Adderley in the quarter-finals.
The defending champion, Jasmine Hutton, finds herself on the same side of the draw as Kennedy. However, regaining her trophy won't be easy, as she is likely to face a fierce challenge from 2019 runner-up Emily Whitlock in the quarter-finals.
Tesni Evans, the sole Welsh player to have clinched the women's trophy, has been confirmed as 2nd seed. The 2018 and 2019 champion will kick off her campaign against a qualifier in round one and is then set for potentially tough encounters against No.6 seed Lucy Turmel and two-time winner Sarah-Jane Perry en route to the much-coveted final.
Before the main draw on 16th to 19th August, both the men's and women's tournaments will feature a qualifying event on 15th August, where four players from each event will progress to the main draw, promising an electrifying start to the championships.
2023 British National Squash Championships
Men’s Main Draw:
[1] Mohamed ElShorbagy (ENG) v [9] Simon Herbert (ENG)
[Qualifier] v [8] Curtis Malik (ENG)
[7] Charlie Lee (ENG) v [Qualifier]
[10] Sam Todd (ENG) v [3] Patrick Rooney (ENG)
[4] Adrian Waller (ENG) v [11] Ben Smith (ENG)
[5] Nick Wall (ENG) v [Qualifier]
[6] George Parker (ENG) v [12] Joe Lee (ENG)
[Qualifier] v [2] Joel Makin (WAL)
Men’s Qualifying Draw:
Heston Malik (ENG) v Miles Jenkins (ENG)
Perry Malik (ENG) v Jared Carter (ENG)
Finnlay Withington (ENG) v Archie Turnbull (WAL)
James Peach (ENG) v Ruudi Clarke (ENG)
Jordan Warne (ENG) v Paul Broadberry (ENG)
Emyr Evans (WAL) v Bailey Malik (ENG)
Matt Gregory (ENG) v Nathan Mead (ENG)
Stephen Hearst (NIR) v Jack Mitterer (ENG)
Women’s Main Draw:
[1] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) v [Qualifier]
Grace Gear (ENG) v [8] Georgia Adderley (SCO)
[5] Jasmine Hutton (ENG) v Millie Tomlinson (ENG)
[Qualifier] v [4] Emily Whitlock (WAL)
[3] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) v Alicia Mead (ENG)
[Qualifier] v [7] Katie Malliff (ENG)
[6] Lucy Turmel (ENG) v Torrie Malik (ENG)
[Qualifier] v [2] Tesni Evans (WAL)
Women’s Qualifying Draw:
Kiera Marshall (ENG) v Lowri Roberts (WAL)
Alison Thomson (SCO) v TBC
Asia Harris (ENG) v Katie Wells (ENG)
Saran Nghiệm (ENG) v TBC
Squash enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the upcoming 2023 British National Squash Championships which will be organised by Squash Media and Marketing (SMM) and hosted at the prestigious St George's Hill Lawn Tennis Club in Weybridge, Surrey from the 15th to 19th of August.
With Britain's top players vying for the coveted title, spectators can expect a thrilling showcase of skill and determination. Reigning champions Mohamed ElShorbagy and Jasmine Hutton from England will be back to defend their respective titles, having emerged victorious in Manchester last year. Joining them will be an impressive lineup of former champions, including Joel Makin, Sarah-Jane Perry, and Tesni Evans. Notably, Scotland's No.1 player, Greg Lobban, is also expected to compete, adding further excitement to the competition.
For those unable to attend in person, the British National Squash Championships will be broadcast live on SQUASHTV, ensuring fans can experience the action from the comfort of their homes.
With anticipation running high, this prestigious tournament promises to deliver captivating matches and showcase the exceptional talent within British squash.