internationalSPORTgroup British Open – Manchester 2009
Madeline Perry became the first ever Irish player to reach the women's final of the world’s oldest and prestigious 
squash championships after beating England’s Alison Waters 10-12 11-8 11-7 11-9 in the penultimate round of the internationalSPORTgroup British Open, played at the National Squash Centre in Manchester, England.
The World No.8 from Belfast, who produced the event's biggest shock when she ousted Nicol David, the World No.1 and defending champion from Malaysia in the quarter-finals, will now face three-time champion Rachael Grinham, of Australia.
"I wanted to play well after beating Nicol yesterday - it would have been disappointing to then lose in the semi-finals," said the 32-year-old.
"I was aware that Alison would come out fast and furious and I had to be up for it and work hard.
"Obviously beating the World No.1 boosts your confidence," added Perry. "I've beaten a few good players, but not a lot of world number ones!
"I am very proud of where I come from - so reaching the final of the British Open should put me up there with the best Northern Irish squash players."
In the other women's semi-final, England’s Jenny Duncalf failed to reach the final for the second year in a row. The World No.6 went down 11-8 11-7 8-11 11-6 to Rachael Grinham, the second-seeded Australian who is looking for her fourth title.
"I'm happy to be in a major final - and the fact that it's the British Open makes it even better," stated the 32-year-old from Queensland who won the title in 2003, 2004 and 2007. "I felt better about the way I played today - the further I get through the draw, the better I feel. My accuracy was a lot better. I can definitely enter the court tomorrow feeling a lot more relaxed."
Women’s Championship Semi-Finals:
[5] Madeline Perry (IRL) bt [3] Alison Waters (ENG) 10-12, 11-8, 11-7, 11-9 (63m)
[2] Rachael Grinham (AUS) bt [4] Jenny Duncalf (ENG) 11-8, 11-7, 8-11, 11-6 (48m)
Women's Championship Final:
[2] Rachael Grinham (AUS) v [5] Madeline Perry (IRL)
Issued by www.isportgroup.com/SquashNews