Duncalf recovers in time for new title tilt

The 29-year-old, from Harrogate, withdrew from the quarter-final stages of the Cleveland Classic tournament last week after taking a knock on the knee.

But the world No 2 will take centre stage today in the first round of the British National Championships, hoping to repeat her triumphs from 2007 and 2009.

The last two years have seen Duncalf forced to settle for the runners-up spot after defeat by Alison Waters in 2010 was followed by a loss last year against Laura Massaro.

Now recovered from her injury setback in the US, Duncalf enters this week’s event as top seed in positive mood.

“I always look forward to the Nationals, it’s such a great event,” said Duncalf, who will begin her campaign across the Pennines against one of the first-round qualifiers.

“It might not be a ranking tournament, but it’s still a massive tournament for us and, apart from the British Open and the World Open, is right up there.”

Duncalf’s chief threat will come in the other half of the draw, with Ireland’s Madeleine Perry, seeded two, scheduled to meet her in Sunday’s final.