<image gates Jenna is a national treasure

Jenna Gates is the national under-15s champion even though the event's official programme failed to list her as a contender.

The 14-year-old, from Henfield, defeated favourite Danielle Dawson (Lancashire) 2-9, 10-8, 10-8, 9-7 in the final at Wolverhampton. The Squash Rackets Association programme stated: "The under-15s events will definitely see new names on both trophies as the holders have moved out of the age group. The eventual winners of the girls could be Danielle Dawson, Gemma Hall, Leoni Holt or Danielle Bolt."

But Jenna, a pupil at Warden Park, Cuckfield, proved worth a mention as she made it third time lucky in her third national final.

She said: "I think I proved them wrong, although it didn't bother me. It was quite a shock when I realised I was national champion. It is the best feeling. I breathed a sigh of relief when I secured the last point. She had been coming back at me in the game and we were both tired, but I served and she hit a loose shot which I hit down the line and she couldn't get it back. That was it.

"She might have been favourite but I fancied my chances because I'd beaten her recently. I've achieved my goals this season. Winning the title and being No.1 in the country. The only thing I've missed out on is the European Under-15 Championships. The dates have been changed and I'll be too old to compete in it."

Dawson was stronger and turned on the power in the opening game of the final. But Jenna began to move her around the court and was able to command the T for the rest of the match in which her volleying was decisive.

Jenna conceded just four points on her way to the final including a 3-0 victory over county team-mate Rachel Wilmott, the British under-13s champion, from Horsham, who secured third place overall.

Jenna's success followed up her triumph in the French Under-15s Open in Strasbourg and she has now gone 16 matches unbeaten. She also helped the county lift the national under-15s inter-county crown.

She said: "I think my success has been down to the extra hard work I've put in since I had I got a new coach (Mike Harris) a year ago.

l Oliver Pett (Horsham) was runner-up in the national boys' under-15 plate competition.