Melbourn Squash Club’s Kate Bradshaw beats number one seed Cath Ruffle at British Open in Birmingham

Kate Bradshaw continued her stellar year on the squash court by being crowned the British Open champion for the first time.

The Melbourn Squash Club player headed into the event in Birmingham having recently played a starring role in England successfully retaining their Home Internationals Trophy.

And she continued that good run of form at the weekend to take the top prize at one of the biggest events in the national squash calendar.

Seeded second in the Women’s Over-45s category, Bradshaw beat Helen Knowles 3-0 in the last eight and she then overcame Natalie Lawrence 3-2 in the semis to set up a clash in the final against number one seed Cath Ruffle.

Bradshaw had already lost to her opponent from Cumbria this season when Ruffle – a winner of multiple national competitions – triumphed 3-1 in the final of British National Championships.

But after losing the first set, Bradshaw rallied to eventually win an epic encounter 4-11, 11-7, 9-11, 11-9, 11-9.

Bradshaw said: “I had no real expectation that I would achieve this goal now. It’s been quite a year for me, so just getting to the tournament to play was a bonus in itself.

“I knew I was playing well in the local leagues, but didn’t think that I would be walking away from the weekend as British Open champion.

“It means so much to me and those who have helped me in my squash journey – friends, family, Melbourn club players and coaches.”