Video: Lure of British title drives on Duncalf

The 30-year-old, from Harrogate, begins her latest bid to win her sport’s most prestigious title on Tuesday evening at Pontefract Squash Club when she takes on American qualifier Latsasha Khan in the first round.

Should she negotiate that obstacle, she will then find herself at the KC Stadium in Hull, where the football ground has been temporarily transformed - or at least one end of it - into a state-of-the-art squash venue.

Runner-up in 2008 and a semi-finalist the following year, Duncalf enters the tournament in good spirits, having enjoyed a fine start to 2013.

As with all players with an eye on major silverware, everything in the first half of this year has been geared towards this particular week in East Yorkshire before the sport takes a summer break.

The fact the event is in her home county makes a big difference to former world No 2 Duncalf, who goes into the event as the eighth seed, matching her current world ranking.

“I hope the event being in Yorkshire does make a difference in a positive way,” said Duncalf.

“It was great just to have the British Open back last year down in London after not having it for the previous two years.

“We play all around the world throughout the year so to have such a huge event in your own county is pretty special.”

Watch Jenny Duncalf preview the British Open in Hull by clicking on the PLAY button at the top of this page.

It’s been a somewhat lean calendar on the WSA Women’s Tour so far this year, although Duncalf has fared pretty well, making the semi-finals in three of the five events she has played in.

After a disappointing 2012, in which she was hampered by a long-running foot injury, Duncalf is in positive mood ahead of her first round examination.

“Looking back at last year, I maybe shouldn’t have played a few times when I did, but I’m in much better shape physically at the moment.

“It takes a bit of pressure off (being lower down the seedings) and gives me an incentive to get myself back up the rankings, although I didn’t have many complaints when I was higher up the rankings and you kind of get used to it.

“With all the history of the British Open, it’s certainly a special event. It’s certainly one event you would be very chuffed with if, by the end of your career, you’ve got your name on that trophy.”

Video action clips courtesy of Squash TV. To watch all the action from the British Open at the KC Stadium this week go to http://www.psasquashtv.com

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