Julian Illingworth won his seventh successive US National title in emphatic style today, beating the plucky and ever-improving Gilly Lane in 3 games. This is the third consecutive US final that these two players have contested.
After a tight first game and and even balanced start to the second, Julian pulled away towards the mid-point and then repeated the same formula in game three.
The previous two matches did not produce perhaps his best squash but he upped his game when he needed to most, as top players are capable of doing, and showed just why he is the 32nd-ranked player in the world, the US #1 and now 7 time US National Champion.
In any sport this a great achievement and, combined with his ever improving PSA world ranking, shows his continued commitment to the game and desire to become the best player that he can be.
After a few days to rest and recover he will be headed up to Williams College and plays Jonathon Kemp in the first round of a $30k PSA event later this week which will be a very strong test to say the least.
Following on from Williams he has a very important date back in Portland – getting married to longtime girlfriend and very competent coach/advisor Sarah.