Paul Drinkhall and Jo Parker are now a national treasure carving their names in the history books by winning their fourth consecutive English National Mixed doubles titles at the expense of Darius Knight and Kelly Sibley. They were dead at 0-2 in games and 2-8 down in points but would not lie down, fighting back in a tense and spellbinding final by winning by 3 games to 2 and lit up the International Hall at Ponds Forge, Sheffield.

Paul and Jo had survived a mission impossible as they looked down and out on the tram lines at Park square Sheffield but somehow did the outrageous by showing true bulldog breed fighting spirit to win this incredible match. You had to feel for Darius and Kelly who looked in total control of this final but somehow could not close out this extraordinary final that was a great advert for the sport as it was played in true friendship and a sporting manner.

Paul and Jo had earlier dislodged the up and coming  junior duo of Sam Walker and Tressa Armitage after losing the first game but soon bounced back to win that semi final 3-1.

Kelly and Darius had endured a gigantic struggle against their last four opponents Hannah Hicks and Chris Doran coming through to the final with a 3-2 scoreline.

However the day belonged to Paul and Jo – the English National Mixed Doubles Champions for an unbelievable fourth time.

Final Result.

Paul Drinkhall and Jo Parker beat Darius Knight and Kelly Sibley

10-12, 13-15, 11-9, 11-7, 11-6.

By Geoff Ware.