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Derbyshire squash player Russell claims first National title

29 October 2008

Russell faced Hamish Falconer from Lincolnshire in the final in a thrilling 45 minute battle. Both players were eager to claim their first National Title but it was number 1 seed Russell who pushed on to claim it 3-1.

Russell leaves the under 13 category at the end of October, and so the British National Championships held at Wimbledon Racquets & Fitness club from October 23 to 26 was his final swansong in the under 13 age group and offered the chance of a special birthday present, given that he would turn 13 on October 27.

The national title is extremely prestigious in the world of squash and despite being the number 1 seed for the event Russell knew there would be tough competition, particularly from his close rival and friend Hamish Falconer, the England number 2 and number 2 seed in the event.

Russell having had much to contend with leading up to the event started well and grew stronger as the rounds passed, easing his way to the final dropping just a single game in four ‘best of 5 game’ matches. Hamish also lived up to his seeding and reached the final despite a very tough 3-2 quarter final match.

In the final it was Russell who looked the more confident from the start winning a tight first game 12:10, although he always had his nose in front. He won the second more comfortably, 11:8 to make it 2 games to love. Hamish fought back in the third game, wining the it 11:8 to make the game score 2:1, but rather than giving Hamish confidence, it fired Russell’s determination and he quickly built up a 7:0 lead in the fourth game and despite a spirited last ditch effort from Hamish, Russell closed out the game 11:6 to take the match 3:1 and the British National Under 13 title.

Russell is pictured being presented with his trophy by Joey Barrington, a current England international with a world ranking of 26 and son of the legendary Jonah Barrington.

Russell moves into the under 15 age category in November in which he is already ranked number 9. His key ambitions in this category are to reach the U15 number 1 ranking and hold it for longer than he managed in the under 13 category and to repeat his under 13 success by winning the British U15 National title in 2010.