Tesni Evans retained her AJ Bell British National title with a dominant victory over Emily Whitlock in Nottingham.

The 26-year-old triumphed 11-3, 11-6, 11-5 in 31 minutes against her English rival who is based in Colwyn Bay.

Evans was seeded three for the event where she became the first Welsh winner last year and can now set her sights on a hat-trick of titles.

“It’s pretty special,” said Cardiff-born, Rhyl-based Evans. “It makes it even more special that I can defend it and take it back to Wales, that makes it even better.

“Last year was amazing to win it and I definitely didn’t think I’d be standing here after winning it again.

“It feels amazing, and I’m happy with how I played as well.”

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“I think the court probably suited me a little bit. I tried to play as fast as I could and take the ball as early as I could and that hurt her and I think it maybe took her a little bit by surprise.

“I’m just happy with how I played because I can’t play much better than that, so it was perfect.

“I’d love to win a third title, that would be amazing!”

Evans was favourite to see off the fourth seed Whitlock having dispatched No 1 seed Laura Massaro at the semi-final for the second year in a row.

 

And Evans was in control throughout, taking the first game with a run of eight consecutive points against Whitlock who was appearing in her first final.

Whitlock, who has beaten No 2 seed Alison Waters in the semi-final, responded after losing the first six points of the second game by bringing it back to 6-06 before Evans again responded.

Evans, seeded 11 in the world, went on to complete the win in straight games to retain the trophy.