 Drinkhall has made a big impact in the last year |
New England number one Paul Drinkhall claimed his first national singles title by beating Alex Perry in the final of the English Championships. The 17-year-old top seed is the youngest player to win the event since Chester Barnes 45 years ago.
Middlesbrough-born Drinkhall, who has motored up the rankings in the last 12 months, beat 31-year-old Perry 4-1.
The teenager then teamed up with Darius Knight to win the men's doubles title at the Sheffield event.
Drinkhall announced his arrival on the world stage as a 16-year-old when he came within a point of beating Olympic champion Ryu Seun at the China Open.
He was also the runner-up in the 2006 BBC Junior Sports Personality of the Year.
Third seed Helen Lower, 36, retained her women's single title, upsetting 18-year-old favourite Kelly Sibley in the final.
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