Rachael Grinham Wins Qatar
April 25, 2005, by Howard Harding
SquashTalk Independent News Service © 2005 all Rights Reserved;

With win, Grinham Retains #1 Spot over Atkinson [Complete draw]

Rachael Grinham and Natalie Grainger in the Qatar Final. photo © 2005 Fritz Borchert

Australia's Rachael Grinham confirmed her status as the world's number one squash player when she beat Natalie Grainger of the USA in four games in the final of the Women's Qatar Airways Challenge in Doha, Qatar.

The 28-year-old from Toowoomba in Queensland overcame a first game deficit to power to a 2-9 10-8 9-2 9-2 victory in 51 minutes to guarantee moving into her tenth successive month at the top of the WISPA World Rankings in May.

Though appearing in her second WISPA final this month, it was Grinham's first tour title success since beating Grainger in the British Open final in November.

"It's more and more difficult to win a tournament," said the delighted new champion afterwards to www.squashsite.co.uk. "Everyone else is pretty hungry, and it gets harder and harder. And very often, winning or losing a tournament depends on the draw you get. And it comes down to who is feeling the stronger on the day of the final.

Natalie Grainger had an excellent start in the Qatar Final. photo © 2005 Fritz Borchert

"I was not that surprised by Natalie's excellent start, as it's quite typical of her to come out firing and win the first game. Even in the second, she seemed like she was going to win it, but then I changed my tactics totally," explained top seed Grinham, who was within a point of going two games down when Grainger reached 8-4 in the second game.

"I suddenly remembered that, every time I won against her, it was when I was playing defensively. She loves the pace, she feeds on it! But today, I was so busy trying to win that I was not thinking of what I was doing really.

"So I just stopped to try to beat her, I just slowed down the pace, and played as many floaters as I could. I played slow and high," added Grinham after winning her 18th WISPA title in seven years.

Grainger admitted that she "blew it".

Rachael Grinham lifts the Qatar Airways Trophy. photo © 2005 Fritz Borchert

"After winning the first game rather easily, I just stepped off the gas, and let her in. It's so difficult to deal with the floating shots she throws at you," explained the sixth seed.

"But overall this year, I'm happy with my season and especially happy with my health, after the trouble I had last year. I'm getting better and better, and stronger and stronger," said Washington-based Grainger.

RESULTS: Women's Qatar Airways Squash Challenge, Doha, Qatar

Final:
[1] Rachael Grinham (AUS) bt [6] Natalie Grainger (USA) 2-9, 10-8, 9-2, 9-2 (51m)

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