Tesni Evans Begins Title Defence In Convincing Fashion

Tesni Evans powered into the quarter-finals as she began the defence of her AJ Bell British National title in Nottingham.

The 26-year-old needed just 23 minutes to beat world no 120 Alicia Mead from England 11-2, 11-2, 11-5.

Evans, seeded three for this year’s event, will now face No 7 seed Julianne Courtice in the last eight.

“It’s always been a prestigious event to win and it’s always going to be right at the top for me, to try and do as best as I can every year I play it,” said Evans.

“It would be pretty fantastic to win a second title, to be fair.

“Last year was amazing to win it, and it has been so good to be able to hold that title for the year.

“To do it again this year would be pretty special and have two to my name.”

Courtice beat fellow Englishwoman Sarah Campion 11-7, 11-6, 17-15 in their first round clash at Nottingham University.

Rhyl-based Evans saw her two main rivals – No 1 seed Laura Massaro and second seed Alison Waters – also reach the quarter-finals.