Back up to full fitness and training as well as she ever has, Kelly Sibley still faces a big task to reclaim her title, having faced 5 months without even hitting a ball, whilst her sparing and doubles partner, who has always been her biggest opponent at the nationals, upped her game and worked hard on her attack. This is a hard match to call.

Attack verses defence, combined with two players that know each others games inside out, made for long rallies.

Parker appeared to be on top in a battle that in the past Sibley would normally be favoured.

Parker took the first two before gifted a few to Sibley in the third, taking advantage of this, Sibley brought it back to 2-1, a close fourth went back to Parker before cleaning up in the fifth and retaining her title.

Joanna Parker bt. Kelly Sibley 4-1 (13-11, 11-6, 9-11, 13-11, 11-5)

James Cornford