Lengthorn Launches Late Bid To Turn 'Wolverhampton' Into 'World'

Laura-Jane Lengthorn's surprise defeat of England's top-ranked squash player at the weekend has boosted the 23-year-old from Preston's chances of success in this week's Women's World Open Championship in Belfast.

The world's most prestigious squash event - and the biggest ever to be staged in Northern Ireland - is being held in Belfast from 20-26 November, with action from the last sixteen onwards staged on a state-of-the-art four glass-walled court in the auditorium of the city's world-renowned Ulster Hall.

Lengthorn, yet to make her senior England debut, defeated Lancashire county compatriot Vicky Botwright, the world No5 from Manchester, in the final of the inaugural Wolverhampton Open - fighting back from 2/1 down to claim her career-best victory after winning 9-5, 3-9, 4-9, 9-6, 9-4.

"It was the first time I've ever beaten her," said Lengthorn during her post-event celebrations. "We've known each other for ages - and must play each other almost every week - but I've never even got close to her before!

"I'm so pleased," added the world No13. "But it was hard too, as we're such good friends. And she was so gracious in defeat!"

Amazingly, immediately following the final, the pair travelled north together to represent Lancashire in a vital inter-county clash with Merseyside. "We won 4/1 - and it was nice to be playing alongside Vicky again!"

Lengthorn's breakthrough victory in Wolverhampton came after failing to convert match-balls in recent WISPA World Tour clashes against both Vanessa Atkinson, the world No2 from the Netherlands, and Rachael Grinham, the world No3 from Australia.

"So I guess this was third time lucky - and, after putting in such a hard summer's training, it was good to finally get the reward," explained the Lancashire lass.

"The win has definitely given me extra confidence - the belief that I can not only match these players, but now beat them."

Lengthorn, the 11th seed in Belfast, is drawn to face a qualifier in the opening round.

"Naturally, I want to do well in the worlds - but the qualifying event is so strong that I know that, whoever I get, it's going to be hard. I'm prepared for a tough match.

"I'm looking forward to going to Belfast for the first time. It's good to have the World Open so close to home, so that you can prepare right up to the last minute, without having to worry about long flights and jet lag, etc," said the England No5.

Lengthorn, who celebrated a career-high world No11 ranking last month, has her sights set on greater progress on the international squash circuit.

"If I could make the world top ten by the end of the year, that would be fantastic."

The Women's World Open Championship gets underway with qualifying at the Belfast Boat Club today (Monday 20 November) before moving to the city's historic Ulster Hall from the second round onwards, leading to the final on Sunday 26 November.