WORLD SQUASH NEWS

RESULTS: Women's Qatar Airways Squash Challenge, Doha, Qatar

Final:
[4] Vanessa Atkinson (NED) bt [2] Cassie Jackman (ENG) 9-2, 10-9, 6-9, 10-8 (62m)

Atkinson Flying High With Qatar Airways Title Win

Fourth seed Vanessa Atkinson, the English-born Dutch No1, claimed the biggest title of her career when she upset England's world No1 Cassie Jackman in today's (Saturday) final of the Women's Qatar Airways Squash Challenge before a packed crowd at the Khalifa Squash Complex in Doha, Qatar.

"I'm overwhelmed, I can't believe it - I think it'll take a good few hours to sink in," said the 27-year-old from The Hague after her 9-2 10-9 6-9 10-8 victory over Jackman in the $70,000 WISPA Grand Prix event.  The second-seeded Englishwoman was clearly feeling the effects of her 87-minute semi-final marathon 24 hours earlier, in which she beat Australia's third seed Rachael Grinham to secure her world No1 ranking.

"I knew Cassie would be tired after her semi-final, so my game plan was to keep her moving all over the court as much as possible - and it worked," said Atkinson, who wrapped up her semi-final the day before in just 28 minutes.  "I wasn't at all nervous before the match - I had nothing to lose - and I think this helped as I was completely relaxed throughout the match.

"Cassie is playing so well these days that I knew she would make it difficult for me.  But this was my first appearance in a Grand Prix final - so to win it is unbelievable," added the seven-times Dutch champion.

After Atkinson took the opening game, Jackman forged an 8-5 lead in the second - then squandered five game-balls before the fourth seed clinched it 10-9 to go 2/0 ahead.  In the third, it was Atkinson who led 5-1, but in a single hand Jackman won seven successive points to reach game-ball again - eventually securing the game to reduce Atkinson's lead.

In the fourth, the six-times British National champion again reached game-ball first at 8-4.  A series of tumultuous rallies followed as the Dutch underdog fought back - winning two successive returns of service with perfect dead nicks.  Atkinson went on to save two further game-balls before reaching match-ball for the first time at nine-all - and clinching the point to secure her historic victory.

After collecting the biggest prize of her life, Atkinson discovered that sponsors Qatar Airways had upgraded her to first class on her flight home!

"I'm going to celebrate, for sure, when I get back home - but I will probably start the celebrations in the first class cabin later on tonight," said the ecstatic new Qatar Airways champion as she headed for the airport.

Comprehensive coverage of the event is available on the event's official website www.qasquash.com