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© 2005 Q Squash Ltd
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LATEST NEWS
15-09-2009
Grinham claims her 4th British Open
Story courtesy of Andrew Dent
Squash Australia Media Liaison Officer
"Rachael Grinham put her name alongside some of Australia’s greatest squash players when she beat Ireland’s Madeline Perry in straight games in Manchester on Monday to win her fourth British Open crown.
The 32-year-old Grinham, originally from Toowoomba but now based in the UK, took advantage of a tired-looking Perry to win 11-6, 11-5, 12-10.
Perry had beaten top seed Nicol David and the third ranked Alison Waters on her way to the final but could not reproduce the heroics of earlier rounds against a faster and more agile opponent.
Grinham is now third on the list of Australian winners of the famous event, behind the great Heather McKay with 16 and Michelle Martin (6), and alongside Vicki Cardwell.
But Grinham, who has suffered a few early defeats in major tournaments in recent times, conceded she was lucky to make the final after a first round scare against English qualifier Dominique Lloyd-Walter.
“I was only a few points away from losing in the first round, so it hadn't really sunk in that I had reached the final,” she said.
“Having won it, I don't know how I feel. It just hasn't sunk in.”
Grinham moved the ball about well and was prepared to play the long rallies with as few errors as possible, to great effect.
Perry said she was tired after her wins over David and Waters.
"But this has been my best squash of my life this week," she said.
"I have moved to another level."
Grinham will be hoping to continue this form at next week’s World Open, where she will be joined in the main draw by younger sister and now Dutch representative Natalie.
“I hope I can keep up this standard next week,” she said.
“My sister Natalie will be playing there and she's in good shape and Nicol David is undoubtedly going to bounce back.
“For the past couple of days I have been really focused.
“I don't know if that was because I realised that Nicol was already out and I thought - wow - this is here for the taking.”
Final results
1-Rachael Grinham (AUS) bt 5-Madeline Perry (IRL) 11-6, 11-5, 12-10"
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