FOR AN incredible fourth time of asking Isle of Wight squash sensation Amelie Haworth has won the British Junior Championships.
SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE PHOTOS
In her U19 final in Sheffield on Sunday, number one-seeded Amelie, 17, of Carisbrooke, defeated joint fifth seed Mariam Eissa in straight games — 11-9, 11-6. 12-10.
After taking a nip and tuck first game, the four-time English junior champion moved through the gears to secure victory.
Amelie, who has won the British junior title through the age groups — once at U13 level and twice at U17 — won all her matches en route to the final in straight games.
After a first round bye, Amelie beat Rebecca Woolf (11-8, 11-1, 11-7) in the second round; joint fifth seed Natalie Main (11-6, 11-5, 11-4) in the quarter-finals; third seed Robyn McAlpine (11-4, 13-11, 11-2) in the semis, to set up an excellent final.
Amelie, who attends Millfield School in Somerset, said: "I'm over the moon! The British Championships U19s is the pinnacle of British junior squash. I’ve always considered it the most prestigious domestic squash title.
"It’s always been the one I’ve looked up to and have watched through the years — and the one I’ve wanted to win the most.
"I’m very happy. It’s given me a lot of confidence towards my next ambition, which is to win the European U19 championships in Romania next March.
"I felt a lot of pressure coming into the competition as the number one seed. There was also increased pressure being the favourite in the final.
"I feel I dealt with those nerves well and played some good squash to come through in straight games.
"With squash’s recent inclusion into the Olympic Games, there has been a lot of motivation to work hard and chase my dreams."
Amelie's on such a hot streak, she even passed her driving test on the Island on Wednesday!
House Rules
We do not moderate comments, but we expect readers to adhere to certain rules in the interests of open and accountable debate.
Read the rules here