Rachel Willmott's dedication to squash has paid off in spectacular style.

The 14-year-old from Horsham won the under-17 British girls' title in Nottingham on Sunday and in doing so became the first player to hold the under-15 and 17 titles simultaneously.

It is a tremendous achievement for the teenager whose enthusiasm and talent for the sport suggests she is destined for the top.

Willmott beat older rival Danielle Dawson from Cheshire 3-1 in the final for the first time to clinch the title.

She said: "I really wasn't expecting to win. It was a surprise because I wasn't seeded top and I lost to Danielle 3-1 earlier this year at the Grand Prix.

"I went 1-0 down and I wasn't playing that well but I battled on and turned the match around.

"I was the underdog for the final which I enjoyed but I don't mind being the favourite either. When I won the under-15 title earlier in the year I was seeded No.1 and I felt the pressure helped me play well."

Willmott has made several sacrifices to reach the top of her sport in this country and while her pals are larking around in their spare time, Willmott can usually be found practising. Her efforts are clearly paying dividends.

The Farlington pupil added: "I don't really watch much TV. When I have done my homework I tend to play squash. My friends don't seem to mind, in fact they have been really supportive. I guess I do miss out on doing some things with them but right now I don't mind. "

Brighton-based coach Mike Harris is overjoyed at the progress of his star pupil who he believes could follow in the footsteps of fellow Brit Cassie Jackman by eventually becoming the world No.1.

He said: "She wants it more than anybody else. Rachel loves the game and would rather be on a squash court than anywhere else.

"She has wanted to be world champion since she was 11. Her life revolves around squash at the moment and she is every bit as determined to succeed as other sporting stars such as David Beckham and Linford Christie."

Harris, who coaches the English national team, works with the Sussex ace twice a week and keeps the sessions extremely tough to make sure Willmott stays in peak condition.

At present the top squash player in the world is Sarah Fitzgerald who earns around half a million pounds a year so it is possible for the leading players in the world to make a good living from the sport.

Harris added: "Rachel is only 14 so it is a question of taking things slowly. Squash players tend not to peak until they are in their late 20s.

"It is too soon to make predictions about her future but at this moment in time Rachel is an outstanding prospect and one of the best I have worked with."

Next up for Willmott is the under-15 British Open in Sheffield in January where the Horsham youngster will pit her wits against the best of world.

Willmott came third in the event last year and she is hoping to do better.

She added: "I want to keep on improving so I can turn professional later on."