Perry Powers To Maiden British National Title

Within 24 hours of earning her first ever win over higher-ranked England team-mate Alison Waters, unheralded Sarah-Jane Perry despatched England number one Laura Massaro in today's women's British National Squash Championships final to win the premier domestic crown for the first time.

"I've beaten two players that I've never beaten before back to back and they are both in the top five in the world so I'm pretty proud of myself," exclaimed the 24-year-old from Kenilworth after her shock 12-10, 11-9, 7-11, 10-12, 11-7 victory in 80 minutes.

It was a close affair in the opening game as twice-champion Massaro and Perry traded points to reach a 10-10 tie-break before final debutante Perry broke clear to take the game 12-10. The second game was equally tight but Perry was able to push ahead and win the critical points to take a 2/0 lead.

Massaro, the world No.3 from Preston, battled back to win the next two games to draw level and force a decider.

However, Warwickshire's Perry wasn't going to let the opportunity slip and raced to a 9-5 lead in the final game before taking a memorable win in front of a capacity crowd at the National Squash Centre in Manchester.

"I said to myself be confident, trust your skills and go get it. I've had three five-game matches in three days so it is pretty tough but that's what we train for. I'm off to Toronto on Tuesday so not much time to celebrate!

"This is a very special achievement for me and hopefully it won't be my last title," added Perry.