RESULTS: British National Squash Championships, Sportcity, Manchester

    Women's final:
[1] Cassie Jackman (Norfolk) bt [2] Linda Charman (Sussex) 9-3, 9-1, 9-5 (41m)

Cassie Jackman Celebrates Record Sixth National Title

Norfolk's Cassie Jackman wrote herself into the squash history books today (Sunday) at the National Squash Centre in Sportcity, Manchester, when she beat England team-mate Linda Charman in final of the British National Squash Championships to claim the title for a record sixth time.

Jackman, who only returned to the international circuit just a year ago after career-threatening back surgery for the second time in her life, was in blistering form as she overcame her close friend 9-3 9-1 9-5 in 41 minutes.  Only in the third game did Jackman's remarkable eight-year unbeaten record against Charman look threatened when the 32-year-old from Eastbourne won five points in a row from 0-6 down.

"She did to me what I've been doing to others all week," said Charman afterwards.  "Her length was so good she rarely let me into the game.  I've been feeling so good all week, I was really hoping this could be my year, but Cassie was just too good," added the England No2, now a runner-up in the event on four occasions.

Jackman was in a jubilant mood after her historic victory:   "I'm never set any records before so it's great to get into the record books with this one.  Now it's there for someone else to beat," Cassie told the packed crowd surrounding the all-glass court on which she won two medals in the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

"I was pleased with the way I played, and with my movement," added the 31-year-old from Norwich who reclaimed the world No1 ranking this month after winning five titles on the WISPA World Tour last year, and celebrating her 50th appearance in an international final.

"Winning this title last year gave me a great start to the year - then getting back to the top of the world rankings, and being announced onto the court as 'world No1', gives you a real buzz.

"I saw Linda's match last night, and I knew I had to play well to beat her - and I did.  I was concentrating on every point.  The National Championships is a great event - all the players love to play here - and I am absolutely delighted to win this sixth title."

Jackman and Charman have been staying together in Manchester with Emma Donaldson, a former Scottish international.  Their perhaps less-than-conventional pre-final preparation included baby-sitting for their friend's three children Georgie, Jessica and Charlie.

Jackman plans to celebrate her historic achievement when she returns to Norwich on Monday, then heads to Doha for next week's Qatar Airways Challenge.  She can then look forward to her next major milestone, her wedding to fiancĂ© Matt Thomas on 12th March.


Official website: www.nationalsquashchamps.co.uk