Gaultier & Stoehr Celebrate French Double In European Finals In Slovakia

Gregory Gaultier and Isabelle Stoehr celebrated a unique French double after winning the men's and women's finals, respectively, in the European Individual Championships - the flagship European Squash Federation event which attracted players from 22 countries in the region to the Slovakian capital city Bratislava.

Top seed Gaultier, the world No2 from Aix-en-Provence, established a remarkable record when he beat second-seeded compatriot and great rival Thierry Lincou in a dramatic men's final. The 11-7, 6-11, 11-7, 4-11, 11-4 triumph earned the 25-year-old his fifth successive title - and his 25th win in a row in the ESF championship!

"It was a very tight match - I don't think we played too badly, despite the tiredness of the end of the season," the five-time champion told www.sitesquash.com later. "I wish to thank the organisation, along with the French Federation Team that has been supporting us throughout the week. And of course, I want to thank my own support team as well.

"I want to congratulate Isabelle for her first title, and the whole of the French Team for their excellent performance during those championship. And now, we'll all going to get some well deserved rest!"

Favourite Stoehr faced England's 3/4 seed Sarah Kippax in the women's final. For the second match in a row, the world No15 from Montpellier dropped the first game.

But Stoehr fought back to clinch the match 5-11, 11-6, 11-7, 11-4 to win her maiden European title.

Men's final:
[1] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) bt [2] Thierry Lincou (FRA) 11-7, 6-11, 11-7, 4-11, 11-4

Women's final:
[1] Isabelle Stoehr (FRA) bt [3/4] Sarah Kippax (ENG) 5-11, 11-6, 11-7, 11-4