Tesni Evans completes stunning win at National Squash Championships

A Bangor University Local Athlete Bursary winner, Tesni Evans, 25, recorded a stunning victory at the Women’s Final of the British Squash Championships in Manchester on Sunday (18 February), becoming the first Welsh woman to win the championship and consolidating her position as the most successful female squash player Wales has produced.

Tesni, is currently ranked 1^st in Wales and 12^th in the world, she reached the final in spectacular fashion, beating reigning champion and former World No. 1, Laura Massaro, in straight games and setting up a tantalising final with Alison Waters, herself a former National Championship winner.

She had no problems against Waters, winning the championship in straight-sets – 11-5 11-9 11-7 – in just 43 minutes.

Tesni shared her delight on Twitter, she said: “British National Champion 2018! Could not be happier after my week in Manchester! Great week and even prouder to win this for Wales! So happy.”

Commenting on her victory, Bangor University’s Director of Sport and Commercial Services, said: “It’s a huge achievement for Tesni and I’m glad that the facilities at Bangor University have been a valuable part of her training programme.

“As home to the North Wales National Squash Centre, Canolfan Brailsford is the only place in North Wales that can provide a venue for professional squash – which uses a lower tin height than that used for recreational play.

“Alongside her success on court, Tesni has been a great ambassador for squash at Bangor both as a role model for our student club as well as regularly presenting awards at many of the local and national events we hold.”

Each year Canolfan Brailsford awards bursaries to elite athletes from the local community. In addition to Tesni, awards were also given to Maisie Potter from Bangor, a snowboarder narrowly missing out selection for Team GB selection for 2018 Winter Olympics due to an injury; Dave Parry from Caernarfon, a Tennis player ranked number 1 in Wales; and Connor Burns from Bangor, Welsh Boxing Champion and part of the GB development squad.