PITCHFORD and HO improve their records in England

English National Championships

Liam PITCHFORD won his fourth career men’s singles crown and Tin-Tin HO completed a hat-trick of women’s singles titles on the final day of the PG Mutual National Championships.

PITCHFORD England’s star performer at the Team World Cup in London last week defeated England colleague Sam WALKER in the final 4-1 (8-11 11-4 11-4 11-9 11-6).

HO beat Kelly SIBLEY 4-1 (6-11 11-8 12-10 11-8 11-8) to ensure the same outcome in the women’s singles final for the third year in a row.

The two winners had earlier combined to take the Mixed Doubles – PITCHFORD’s first ever success in that event – at the Copper Box Arena. They saved four match points on the way to defeating David McBEATH & SIBLEY 3-2 (11-9 6-11 8-11 14-12 12-10).

The Men’s Doubles saw Paul DRINKHALL & McBEATH beat PITCHFORD & WALKER 3-1 (11-8 11-6 6-11 11-1) while SIBLEY teamed up with Maria TSAPTSINOS to defeat HO & Denise PAYET 3-0 (11-4 11-6 11-7) in the Women’s Doubles.

Every member of England’s squad for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games appeared in at least one final.