|
JULIAN ILLINGWORTH
WINS 3RD STRAIGHT U.S. SQUASH TITLE
-- Dunlop Star Three-Peats as National Champion --
PORTLAND, OR, March 19, 2007 – American
squash prodigy Julian Illingworth took his third straight S.L. Green U.S.
Men’s Championship Sunday, defeating two-time U.S. Men’s Champion Preston
Quick in a thrilling five game match (6),4,(9),8,8.
Playing with a Dunlop Ice Tour racquet, Illingworth was impressive in his
return to Portland’s Multnomah Athletic Club, where he first learned squash
at the age of eight and grew up playing the sport. The local crowd was
especially appreciative of both his tremendous play and his three-peat.
Weeks earlier, Illingworth made squash history as the first American to move
into the second round of a Professional Squash Association Super Series
event, doing so at the Bear Stearns Tournament of Champions at New York’s
Grand Central Station. Now, with his victory in Portland at the age of 23,
he continues as the youngest player in U.S. history to win multiple national
championship titles -- the first two while still an undergraduate at Yale
University.
“This meant a lot to me,” said Illingworth, “getting to win my third U.S.
Championship on my home court -- in front of my first coach, my parents and
my friends. Hopefully, now I’m starting a streak.”
“Dunlop couldn’t be more proud of Julian, whose skills and effort have
driven his continued success,” said
Steve Hall, Dunlop’s Director of Marketing of Racquet Sports. “Not only is
he our most successful American squash player, but he is also proving
himself in international play.”
About Dunlop Sports Group Americas
Dunlop Sports Group
Americas, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Dunlop Slazenger International,
Ltd, is known worldwide by sports enthusiasts who value quality and
performance in their sporting goods equipment. Headquartered in Greenville,
SC, the company’s product line spans tennis racquets and tennis balls;
squash racquets and balls; Carlton badminton racquets and shuttles; golf
balls, golf accessories and golf clubs. International endorsers include
tennis legend John McEnroe, all-time squash champion Jonathon Power and
three-time world long-drive golf champion Sean Fister. For further
information phone: 800.768.4727.
|
