Jill Campion Wins 4th National Squash Title

Jill Campion, currently over 60s world champion, won the British National Masters over 60s Squash Championships held in Nottingham last weekend. Jill plays at Henley Squash Club, has been on form so far this season and therefore was seed one. However, this is a highly competitive age group and she had to work hard in her semi-final against Susan Pynegar, who was playing on her home courts. However, after a very close first game which Campion won 15/13, she eased ahead to win 3/0.

She faced Wales stalwart Sian Johnson, a former National Champion and hugely experienced player. These ladies always have close, hard fought matches. The first game was neck and neck as both players tried to settle and find their form, with Johnson using her shot-making skills to edge ahead and win it 6/11. Campion turned the tables in the second games, using improved length and width to level the match at one game all. Speaking after the match Jill said “I felt as though I was always playing catch-up. Sian is a highly skilled player who knows how to put me under pressure. I was struggling to work out how to take control and put her under pressure. At 2-1 down I knew I had to change something. I decided to play a faster, more attacking game, keeping her at the back of the court and trying to force Sian into playing a loose shot. That worked better but Sian is a fighter. To be honest, the last two games are a bit of a blur. I think I managed to win key points through sheer grit and determination. I still can’t quite believe that I managed to win but I am of course absolutely thrilled.”  This is Campion’s fourth national title at masters level.

Jill Campion beat Sian Johnson 3-2 (6/11, 11/6, 9/11, 12/10, 11/9)