Natalie Grinham Celebrates Maiden 'Dutch' Success In Paris

World number three Natalie Grinham clinched her first WISPA World Tour squash title since becoming a Dutch national when she beat Suzie Pierrepont in the final of the Women's Des Pyramides Open in the French capital Paris.

A record three-times gold medallist in the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Australia - the country where she was born and raised - Grinham became a Dutch citizen last year after living in the Netherlands since 1999.

But, while the 31-year-old former world number two reached five Tour finals last year - and clinched the European Squash Federation's European Individual Championship crown in May - WISPA title success had eluded Grinham until now.

Seeded one, Grinham reached the final of the $26,000 WISPA World Tour event at Squash Pyramides in Le Port Marly after beating seventh seed Camille Serme, thereby ending local interest in the championship.

Her opponent Suzie Pierrepont, the fifth seed from England, had claimed a surprise place in the climax after surviving two marathon battles in the previous two rounds - in the quarters upsetting French favourite Isabelle Stoehr, the No2 seed, in 65 minutes.

But the final was one match too far for the 24-year-old from Sussex as the experienced Grinham coasted to an 11-7, 11-6, 11-7 victory in 34 minutes.

The triumph marks the 13th Tour title of Grinham's career.

Final:
[1] Natalie Grinham (NED) bt [5] Suzie Pierrepont (ENG) 11-7, 11-6, 11-7 (34m)