Jill wins British Open

Jill Campion last weekend won the British Open over 65s Squash Championship, beating arch-rival Karen Hume 13-11, 12-10, 11-5 in a closely fought final. This is the the sixth time she has won this tournament in her age group and this title comes shortly after her victory in the National (Closed) Championships in February and the European Masters Championship last summer, which means that she has won all the major titles this season.

Commenting on her win, Jill, who lives in Bix and plays at Henley Squash Club based in Henley Leisure Centre, said: “This is a great way to end what has been one of my busiest – and most successful – squash seasons! The final was a re-run of the British Closed final, in which I beat Karen 3-2, coming back from 2-0 down. This time I went in with a clearer game plan, focusing in particular on my serves and returns of serve. I edged ahead in the first game mainly by playing the ball hard to the back, but Karen fought back using her low hard kills. I’m not quite sure how I managed to sneak that game 13-11. The second game was a different story, with numerous lets and what we both felt was inconsistent decision-making, and I quickly found myself 5-9 down. Fortunately I managed to regain focus and concentration, pulling back to win that game 12-10. Being two games up gave me the confidence I needed. I quickly established a clear lead by varying my shots, making Karen twist and turn and keeping her guessing and won that game comfortably, 11-5 and therefore the match 3-0. The match was far tougher than the result suggests!

“I’ve adopted a different type of on-court training this season, Gevolution Squash developed by Tony Griffin, which seems to have improved my shot choice, my focus and my reactions. I find it rewarding that after playing squash for more than 40 years I can keep learning and improving aspects of my game.”

Campion helps Wales Women’s Masters Team achieve best results ever

Jill Campion represented Wales in four age groups at this year’s Home International Masters Squash Team events. She played three matches on each of the four weekends, winning 9 and losing 3, helping Wales win gold in one age category and silver in two others.

The event, which is held annually over four weekends in late Spring, pitches teams representing England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland at age groups from over 35 to over 65 for when and to over 75 for men.

The first weekend, hosted by England in Nottingham, included a women’s over 65s team for the first time. With Campion playing at 1 and number 2 and 3 both experienced international players, Wales went in as favourites and clinched the title, beating England 2-1, Scotland 2-1 and Ireland 3-0.

The following weekend Campion, again playing 1, captained the Wales over 60s team in Edinburgh. With the English team looking particularly strong, coming second seemed to be a realistic objective. However it was not to be and he Welsh team finished fourth.

Next up was Dublin for the over 50s, where again the aim was to finish second. Campion, playing number three in a team of five, was on top form. She won her match against Scotland, narrowly lost her match against Ireland, and took the English number 3 and current over 50s European Champion Sarah Parr to two games all, with Parr unable to complete the match due to a serious shoulder injury, The rest of the Welsh team also delivered and they got their silver medal.

And finally, at the over 55s event in Cardiff on the final weekend, With England looking very strong, the objective was to get silver. Campion, playing number 2, won her matches against Ireland and Scotland but England’s Izzy Bramhill was too dexterous for her.

“The Masters Home Internationals are great events to play in, with men’s and women’s teams from two or three age categories at each venue. I was somewhat daunted by the idea of so much squash in so little time – last year I competed in three of the weekends and that seemed like plenty! Playing in all four weekends gave me the opportunity to play women I hadn’t played before and playing in lower age groups and I was was delighted to be able to hold my own against them. These matches certainly sharpened me up for the British Open Masters.”