RESULTS: Carol Weymuller Open, Brooklyn, NY, USA
Final:
[1] Jenny Duncalf (ENG) bt [3] Laura Massaro (ENG) 11-6, 11-1, 11-6
World No2 Jenny Duncalf defended her Women's Carol Weymuller Open title in some style, beating her England team-mate Laura Massaro in straight games in the final of the $42,450 WISPA World Tour squash event at Heights Casino in Brooklyn, New York.
Runner-up in the championship three years ago, and winner last year when the event was combined with the US Open, Duncalf reached her third New York final after beating Kasey Brown in five games, avenging her defeat by the fast-rising Australian in last week's WISPAQ Gold event in Mexico.
And Massaro had good reason to celebrate her unexpected appearance in the final after the third seed also battled to a five-game win over fancied Australian Rachael Grinham, the second seed.
Duncalf took control in the first game early on, moving her Commonwealth Games doubles partner around the court and making very few errors. After winning the game, the 27-year-old from Harrogate came out even stronger for the second.
"Jenny was on fire and couldn't miss," said tournament organiser Linda Elriani, the former England international who was runner-up in 1999 and 2000. "She showed us why is world number two, with her excellent skills, fluent movement and variety of shots. Laura only got one serve, but was battling hard to get her game plan to work, but to no avail as Jenny won the second game 11-1."
Massaro, the world No8 from Preston, began to get the favourite out of position in the third and gain some control of the T. But Duncalf was just too accurate and fast - and soon closed out the match 11-6, 11-1, 11-6 to win the 2010 Carol Weymuller Open for the second year running.
"I'm really happy to win here again, especially in three games," said a smiling Duncalf after the final. "We both had tough matches yesterday so I was pleased to keep my concentration and not let up on any of my leads in each game. I felt like I played well and managed to move her around the court.
"It's nice to finish the trip on a high! Next stop Qatar!" exclaimed the champion after picking up the eighth Tour title of her career - but her first this year.
A downcast Massaro added: "I feel disappointed losing 3-0. I think that I felt a bit heavy in my legs today after yesterday and I felt I couldn't really get on top. My length was a little short and she finished the ball well."