A teenager from Whitefield has won a title at the British Junior Squash Championships.
Finnlay Withington, won the Boys U19 Don Sanderson trophy in Sheffield after competing in the championships from October 27 to 30.
The 18-year-old has spoke about his delight in securing victory.
He said: “My last event was the British Junior Championships, where won 3-2 in the final.
“It was a close final, but I played well, and dealt with the situations in front of me.
“The court was hard to play on, and my opponent in the final put in a good showing.
“It was great to capture this title.”
Finnlay has been playing squash since he was aged three.
He added: “I played my first tournament aged six and won my first event when I was eight at the county closed U11s.
“I had a lot of success when I was younger, playing bigger and older players when I started.
“I then I had to work a lot harder in my teenage years as others grew, and I took time to catch up.”
His hard work has paid off, with him training twice a day at Fairways Lodge and Leisure Club, and Cheetham Hill Squash Club.
His coach Josh Taylor said: “Finn has worked very hard, over a long period of time now.
“He continues to reap the rewards of this and is set up to whatever he wishes in the sport.
“The British Junior Championships was a fantastic spectacle, and he did really well in a tough environment to come back and win in the final.
“I am really proud of him and everything he achieves.”
Finnlay is on his way to a dazzling squash career, but when talking about his future aspirations he prefers to keep his feet on the ground.
He said: “I want to keep my head down, work hard and see what happens.
“I don’t like to think too far ahead and I keep things in perspective.”
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