Simpson & Holt Win Welsh Titles

Chris Simpson and Leonie Holt established an English double by winning the U19 titles at the Welsh Junior Open at the St Mellons Hotel & Country Club in Cardiff.

Riding high after clinching the British Junior U19 National crown in Manchester last week, top seed Simpson swept through to the final of the Grand Prix event on the European Squash Federation Junior Circuit - where he faced compatriot Shaun le Roux, the No2 seed from Yorkshire who claimed the Irish Junior Open trophy in December.

Brighton-based Simpson, from Hampshire, triumphed 9-7 9-3 9-7.

Leonie Holt, from Warwickshire, was a surprise semi-finalist in last week's British Junior Nationals - and seeded to win the Welsh title. But the 18-year-old faced an unexpected opponent in the final after Emma Chorley, a 17-year-old 3/4 seed from Somerset, trounced Spain's No2 seed Chantal Moros-Pitarch in straight games in the semi-finals.

Chorley put up a brave fight in the final, but favourite Holt ultimately prevailed 9-5 9-1 3-9 10-8.

Men's U19 Final:
[1] Chris Simpson (ENG) bt [2] Shaun le Roux (ENG) 9-7, 9-3, 9-7

Women's U19 Final:
[1] Leonie Holt (ENG) bt [3/4] Emma Chorley (ENG) 9-5, 9-1, 3-9, 10-8