Grainger Celebrates Hometown Success In Greenwich

US No1 Natalie Grainger celebrated hometown success in the Women's Harrow Greenwich Open when she beat second-seeded Egyptian Omneya Abdel Kawy in the final of the $25,000 WISPA World Tour squash event at the Field Club of Greenwich in Greenwich.

Favourite Grainger, formerly based in Washington DC and winner of the title in 1998 and 1999, was competing in the established event for the first time since relocating in Greenwich last year.

Both players had survived marathon five-game semi-finals. But, despite being stretched to five games for the third time in three days, it was local favourite Grainger who ultimately prevailed, saving a match-ball in the decider to defeat Kawy 11-4, 8-11, 12-10, 9-11, 13-11 in 58 minutes.

"Omneya is an amazing player; so skilful," said 31-year-old Grainger of her 23-year-old opponent. "I was really lucky to win today. But I am years older so I must take the wins when I can!"

The downcast Abdel Kawy responded: "This tournament wasn't mine. I was winning when I was down, now lost when I was up. It is in my head. I don't know what is wrong but I made a good start to the year and I was strong all the way through."

Grainger's long-awaited Greenwich hat-trick brings her WISPA career title tally to 20.

Final:
[1] Natalie Grainger (USA) bt [2] Omneya Abdel Kawy (EGY) 11-4, 8-11, 12-10, 9-11, 13-11 (58m)